Biology
Name_________________
Directions:
Use the eight steps of photosynthesis (see below) and turn each step into a
cartoon slide. Use the construction paper provided and draw eight windows to draw your
cartoon. Be creative, and label the slide (or certain aspects, characters, etc) when
necessary. In each box be sure to indicate if the step #, light dependent or light
independent reaction & a description of the step. Your comic strip should be both
entertaining and easy to understand. To receive full points your comic should be colored.
THE LIGHT-DEPENDENT REACTION
1.
In the first step of photosynthesis, sunlight (as photons) enters the first photosystem and
energizes the chlorophyll.
2. The excited chlorophyll splits water into oxygen and hydrogen.
3. Meanwhile, the chlorophyll feeds electrons into a complex sequence of nearby molecules
called the electron transport chain.
4. The freed oxygen escapes into the atmosphere, while the freed hydrogen is used later in
the light-independent reaction.
5. As electrons move along the electron transport chain, their energy helps make the
molecule ATP, which is used by all known forms of life to fuel their cellular functions.
6. The electrons enter a second photosystem, get reenergized by sunlight, and move along
another electron transport chain to construct a molecule called NADP.
THE LIGHT-INDEPENDENT REACTION
7. NADP combines with hydrogen (which was freed earlier in the light-dependent reaction)
to produce NADPH.
8. NADPH, ATP, and a chloroplast enzyme called rubisco work together to create sugars
and other carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water in a process called the CalvinBenson cycle. The Calvin-Benson cycle is a very complex reaction that “fixes” carbon
from the atmosphere, forming the foundations of Earth’s major food chains—plants
directly use sugars as their food, and many other organisms eat plants to gain their stored
energy.
Photosynthesis Comic Strip
Name: __________________________________________
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Color and Neatness
Hour: __________
3 points
2 point
1 -0 points
Clearly illustrates the step
of photosynthesis, steps
are labeled, and
description is present &
accurate.
Clearly illustrates the step
of photosynthesis, steps
are labeled, and
description is present &
accurate.
Clearly illustrates the step
of photosynthesis, steps
are labeled, and
description is present &
accurate.
Clearly illustrates the step
of photosynthesis, steps
are labeled, and
description is present &
accurate.
Clearly illustrates the step
of photosynthesis, steps
are labeled, and
description is present &
accurate.
Clearly illustrates the step
of photosynthesis, steps
are labeled, and
description is present &
accurate.
Clearly illustrates the step
of photosynthesis, steps
are labeled, and
description is present &
accurate.
Clearly illustrates the step
of photosynthesis, steps
are labeled, and
description is present &
accurate.
Entire project drawn in
color. Project is neat.
One of the following issues
is present: Illustration is
not clear
Steps are not labeled
Description is inaccurate
One of the following issues
is present: Illustration is
not clear
Steps are not labeled
Description is inaccurate
One of the following issues
is present: Illustration is
not clear
Steps are not labeled
Description is inaccurate
One of the following issues
is present: Illustration is
not clear
Steps are not labeled
Description is inaccurate
One of the following issues
is present: Illustration is
not clear
Steps are not labeled
Description is inaccurate
One of the following issues
is present: Illustration is
not clear
Steps are not labeled
Description is inaccurate
One of the following issues
is present: Illustration is
not clear
Steps are not labeled
Description is inaccurate
One of the following issues
is present: Illustration is
not clear
Steps are not labeled
Description is inaccurate
Half or less of project is in
color. Project is not done
neatly.
Storyline is attempted.
Two or more of the following
issues is present
No illustration.
No labels
No description
No illustration.
1pt: Project is creative, OR
tells a unique story.
Only meets minimum
requirements.
Storyline
Comic tells a complete
story
Extra Credit (max 2 pts)
2pts :Project is creative,
done neatly, AND tells a
unique story.
Total Points __________ / 30
No illustration.
No illustration.
No illustration.
No illustration.
No illustration.
No illustration.
Project not in color. Drawings
are illegible.
No storyline