Creator: Jillian DiRe
Lesson Plan
Subject: Photosynthesis
Grade: 4th
Resources used to create lesson: worksheets and websites.
State Standards:
Standard 4: The Living Environment
3.1b Each plant has different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival, and reproduction.
• roots help support the plant and take in water and nutrients
• leaves help plants utilize sunlight to make food for the plant
• stems, stalks, trunks, and other similar structures provide support for the plant
• some plants have flowers
• flowers are reproductive structures of plants that produce fruit which contains seeds
• seeds contain stored food that aids in germination and the growth of young plants
Common Core Standards:
Writing:
8. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task,
purpose, and audience.
Language:
1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or
speaking.
2. Demonstrate command of the conversation of standard English capitulation, punctuation, and spelling
when writing.
Unit Essential Question:
What are plants structures and functions?
Aim of lesson:
What is photosynthesis?
Objectives:
Students will predict and infer while observing plants wheatear sunlight helps or hurts plants.
After using the photosynthesis interactive website students will be able to identify the process of
photosynthesis and why it is important.
Assessment:
Students will be assessed on the power point fill in worksheet. There are two versions. One helps
struggling students more than the other.
Students will also be assessed on their illustrations. There are two versions. One helps struggling students
more than the other.
Prerequisite skills, knowledge:
Students will know the parts of a plant, how plants are grouped, and how plants make fruits and seeds.
Key guiding questions:
Do plants need sunlight?
How does the physical of characteristics of plants change when they don’t receive sunlight, water and
carbon dioxide?
How does the process of photosynthesis begin?
What is the role of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis?
Why is chlorophyll important?
Do plants and humans work together to help the environment?
Hook -
Beginning of lesson
Students will observe two plants. One plant received sunlight and the other did not. Students will predict
and answer these questions:
1. What do you think a plant will look like if it does not get sunlight?
2. What do you think the leaves of a plant will look like if it does not get sunlight?
Development of lesson:
The teacher will pull up Illuminating Photosynthesis – “atomic shuffle” on the smart board. Students will
learn about photosynthesis step by step from this website. The teacher will go over each step and students
will visual see the process of photosynthesis. The steps from the website will also be available for students
on a power point.
(http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/methuselah/phot_atomic.html)
After the class has learned about photosynthesis from illuminating photosynthesis – “atomic shuffle”
students will get into groups and explore “the cycle” on the same website. Students will:
1. Click the cycle and discuss with your partner
2. Write down how the plant and the kid use each other in the illustration and what ingredients were used.
3. Write a summary of what you learned.
4. If you have extra time you may complete the puzzles.
Closure of lesson
Students will share what they wrote in their groups. Individually students will complete a worksheet given
to them on power point format.
Adaptations for Special Need & differentiation:
Students can have a printable version of the website.
Students can complete the assignments on the computer.
Groups can be smaller or larger depending on class size.
Follow-up Assignments:
For homework students will have to illustrate the process of photosynthesis.
Reflection and Revision:
Did observing the plant help students with their predictions?
Did students stay focused and on task in groups?
Did I manage my time well?
Did students benefit from the step by step website?
Did having two options for students help?