Photosynthesis Resource File- Donna Sawyer
This resource file was created to supplement a unit on photosynthesis in 10th grade General
Biology. These sources were selected with both Advanced and Integrated biology classes in
mind. Due to the fact that science is often quite technical, it was difficult to find text-based
articles written at lower (8th or 9th) Flesch-Kincaid levels. However, many of the web-based
resources selected offer reading opportunities suitable for lower reading levels with a
wealth of content information. Through the use of all the resources provided, all students,
regardless of learning style or reading level, will have the opportunity to gain a deeper
understanding of the photosynthetic process, its significance to life on Earth, and the
reciprocal relationship between plants and animals (respiration) that make that process
possible. I used this resource opportunity to imbed STS concepts within the photosynthesis
unit to give students a real world connection to photosynthesis thus allowing them to
explore their role in connection with these ideas (i.e. their own carbon footprint). I believe
that this gives the unit more depth, significance, and interest for the student. By the end of
this unit, students will be able to identify the specific parts of a plant involved in
photosynthesis, describe the chemical process that comprises the photosynthetic process,
and explain the ways in which human impact threatens or benefits the reciprocal
relationship shared with autotrophs.
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Text-based reading:
McGinley, Mark, Debbie Swarthout, and Daniel Robert Taub. Photosynthesis. Encyclopedia of
Earth, 03 Aug. 2010. http://www.eoearth.org/article/Photosynthesis
This article
(Flesch-Kincaid reading level 13.2)
Devens Gust Why Study Photosynthesis.1996, 18 Dec. 2008.
http://bioenergy.asu.edu/photosyn/study.html
This article offers a short, yet thorough, explanation of the many ways (directly and indirectly)
photosynthesis is involved in our daily lives. Some of the topics addressed are agriculture, food,
environment, energy production, electronics, medicine, etc… This article makes clear the many
ways in which photosynthesis impacts humans beyond providing breathable oxygen. (FleschKincaid reading level 9.7)
Roach, John. "Source of Half Earth's Oxygen Gets Little Credit." National Geographic. National
Geographic Society, 07 June 2004.
http ://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0607_040607_phytoplankton.html
Many students think that land plants are the only contributors to photosynthesis. This article
discusses the role and significance of the ocean’s phytoplankton in the photosynthetic process.
This article allows students to see photosynthesis from the “top-down”, thereby giving more
meaning to the abstract (bottom-up) chemical processes of photosynthesis which are often the
main focus in classroom lessons. (Flesch-Kincaid reading level 11.6)
Hopkins, William G., "The Green World - Photosynthesis and Respiration." 2006
This link is to an online book called Photosynthesis and Respiration by William G. Hopkins. It
provides information and illustrations about everything having to do with photosynthesis- from
the most basic to the most intricate details of photosynthesis. (Flesch-Kincaid reading level 10.012.0, depending on the chapter)
http://issuu.com/free-educare/docs/the-green-world---photosynthesis-andrespiration?mode=window
Riebeek, Holli. "The Ocean's Carbon Balance” 30 June 2008.
This article discusses the reciprocal ways in which the environment and photosynthetic
organisms are currently impacting one another. Good STS article for photosynthesis unit.
(Flesch-Kincaid reading level 10.1)
http://www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Featres/OceanCarbon/
Web-based resources
http://questgarden.com/23/48/7/060424135209/
This WebQuest was designed for high school (or late middle school) students. The purpose of
this WebQuest is to help students construct some basic knowledge of photosynthesis and its
importance to the world. As a part of this WebQuest students assume a role (assigned) and will
be required to write a letter, or compile a technology-based presentation, designed to persuade a
specific audience about the importance of photosynthesis to life on earth. This is a great way to
build reading, writing, and technology into the curriculum, and is appropriate for all learner
levels and styles.
http://www.brainpop.com/
This site offers short videos on many science topics, including photosynthesis, that explain and
illustrate the topic at hand. There are also quizzes that follow the videos which students can opt
to use if they desire.
http://vcell.ndsu.nodak.edu/animations/photosynthesis/movie-flash.htm
This site offers a virtual tour of the photosynthetic process, from the sunlight striking a plant to
the final product made by photosynthesis. The tour is also anatomically specific, as it explains,
and illustrates, which part of the chloroplast each process is occurring in along the tour.
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/photosynth/chloroplast.html
This interactive site details the steps of photosynthesis (in brief) and also provides matching and
vocabulary quizzing opportunities along the way to aid the student in determining what they
currently know about photosynthesis and what they have not yet mastered. This could be a good
tool for students to use in preparation for quizzes and tests.
"Illuminating Photosynthesis." PBS. PBS, 26 Sept. 2003.
http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/tdc02_int_methusweb/
This interactive website allows for the students to adjust the different variables associated with
the performance of photosynthesis, such as carbon dioxide levels, light intensity, time of sunlight
exposure, etc… Students are able to witness the effects of these variables on the process of
photosynthesis and use that information to make connections to the real world, such as the
amount of available breathable oxygen in the air, environmental levels of carbon dioxide, global
issues, etc… Hopefully, this will also spark higher thinking by the students as they make explore
the reasons/contributors (human impact) to varying carbon dioxide levels, etc… This site also
offers quizzes on photosynthesis, text-based articles for further reading, and writing prompts.
Unique Selections
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xNwZCk2CHY
This 6-7 minute YouTube video was produced by high school biology students. It is set to
background music, over which the student’s explains the process of photosynthesis. These
students did a good job, especially during the first half of the video, describing and illustrating
photosynthesis. It is a fun way for students to learn from their “peers” about photosynthesis and
may also be particularly appealing to visual and auditory learners.
http://www.quia.com/cb/25890.html
This is an interactive quizzing site. Here you will find a fun photosynthesis Jeopardy game
(interactive). The student can play by themselves against the computer, or two students can play
against one another to see who knows their photosynthesis facts best. This interactive game
could be used as a tool in preparing for an upcoming quiz or test.
http://www.msascienceonline.weebly.com
This cartoon reinforces the idea that sunlight provides the energy needed by plants to make their own
food; the sunlight itself is not food for the plant- a common misunderstanding among students learning
photosynthesis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CK4z4MDXuE (photosynthesis rap video and song)
This is a short rap song about photosynthesis. The tune is set to the 50-Cent song, In Da Club, and is sung
by a group of teens. Though this would likely be appealing to most teens, I can see this being wellembraced by auditory learners.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wi60tQa8jfE (photosynthesis rap video and song)
This is a short rap song about photosynthesis. This rap has a very catchy tune and is sung by a group of
teens. I like this rap best because it goes into more detail about photosynthesis than the first song does.
Though this would likely be appealing to most teens, I can see this being well-embraced by auditory
learners.
http://www.allposters.co.uk/-sp/Photosynthesis-Posters_i838253_.htm (poster)
This is a nicely, visually detailed poster about photosynthesis. Great learning tool for all students,
especially visual learners.