“Make the Molecule” Natural Drama
Focus student thinking by doing a whole class simulation of the processes involved in
photosynthesis. Detailed information for guiding students through such a simulation of
photosynthesis plus valuable background information about the process of
photosynthesis and the importance of the sun to life on earth can be found in the Food,
Land, and People activity “Gifts from the Sun”. Information on how to get this and other
activities from this program is available at HYPERLINK "http://www.enc.us/DSWC/
pages/foodland.html" www.enc.us/DSWC/pages/foodland.html.
If Food, Land, and People curriculum materials are not available, use this information to
launch the activity:
Setting the Stage
Draw an outline of a large tree on floor or playground. Use green yarn or chalk for a
large billowing canopy and brown for trunk. Add several roots below the trunk. Explain
that this is the scene for an important natural drama that captures energy from the sun
and changes it into chemical energy (food) for plant and animal life.
Brainstorm the “players” needed in the drama of photosynthesis and the role each must
have. Use information below to finalize roles. Assign roles and have students develop
ideas for the part they will play. Students design name signs, illustrations, and other
props and decide on positions and movements.
Photosynthesis Players
This information should be copied and given to students who are playing each role.
SUN – One student
The sun is the source of most all energy on earth. In the process of photosynthesis
sunlight provides light energy absorbed by the plant. This energy is changed and stored
as chemical energy in sugars (such as glucose), starches, and other organic
compounds. This stored chemical energy provides food for the plant and for other life
forms that may eat the plant.
ROOTS – Two or three students
Water moves from the soil up through the roots to be used in the leaves as
photosynthesis occurs. Food can also be stored in roots.
WATER MOLECULES – Unlimited number depending on size of class
Water (H2O) is a compound of two atoms of oxygen and one atom of hydrogen. Water
moves up through roots from the soil to leaves. Some water molecules will play a key
role in photosynthesis. Others will simply move through the plant and out the stomata
and enter the atmosphere as water vapor in the process of transpiration.
Those water molecules that will be important in the food making process of
photosynthesis are split by light energy into O and H atoms. The oxygen atoms join in
twos to form O2 molecules and leave the leaf through the stomata, adding molecules of
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Adapted from DPI Science Resource 6th grade Unit 4 “Photosynthesis - The Mystery and Magic of Green Plants
(pgs. 26-28)
“Make the Molecule” Natural Drama
oxygen gas to the atmosphere. The hydrogen (H) atoms combine with carbon dioxide
(CO2) molecules to make sugars (like glucose) which are food for the plant and other
organisms.
CARBON DIOXIDE – Four to six students
Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas enters the leaf through the stomata. In the presence of
chlorophyll it combines with hydrogen atoms from water to form new compounds
(glucose) in the leaf. These sugars store chemical energy for food for the plant and
other living things.
CHOROPHYLL – Two or three students
Chlorophyll is the green coloring pigment in leaves. It absorbs light energy from the
sun. This light energy is essential for splitting water molecules and freeing hydrogen
atoms that then react with carbon dioxide to form food for the plant in the form of sugars
like glucose.
STOMATA – Four students (will act in pairs to role play two openings)
Tiny openings on the surface of leaves allow carbon dioxide from the air to enter and
oxygen produced during the process of photosynthesis to leave the leaf.
Have students playing each role meet and discuss how they will play their role. This
should include the name sign each will wear, other props they will create and use,
where the group will be when the drama begins, where they will move, what they will do,
who they will interact with, and where they will end up.
After the simulation have students explain their role in the process and why that role
was crucial to the process. This can be written in paragraph form or as a homework
assignment.
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Adapted from DPI Science Resource 6th grade Unit 4 “Photosynthesis - The Mystery and Magic of Green Plants
(pgs. 26-28)