Lesson Topic: Chemical Reactions in Photosynthesis
Objective:
Students will be able to:
1. Trace the movement of matter and energy during the photosynthesis reaction.
2. Explain how missing or insufficient amounts of reactants and energy will affect the
overall photosynthesis reaction.
Time Required: 80 minutes
Materials Needed:
● Legos, Mega Bloks or similar snap together building blocks (representing matter)
● Flashlight (representing sunlight/energy)
Teacher Preparation:
● Assign a Legends of Learning Instructional Quick Play playlist for the day(s) you will
be teaching the lesson.
○ Instructional - Middle School - Chemical Reactions in Photosynthesis
● Assign a Legends of Learning Content Review Quick Play playlist for the day after the
lesson.
○ Content Review - Middle School - Chemical Reactions in Photosynthesis
● Label snap together blocks with chemical symbols from the photosynthesis reaction
(see illustration).
● Ensure batteries work in flashlight.
Engage (10 minutes):
1. Write the following list of materials on the board and ask students which they think are
food for plants. The list should include sunlight, plant food from a garden center,
sugar, carbon dioxide, minerals, fertilizer, soil, water, and oxygen.
a. Students will likely assume most of these materials are plant food since they
assist plant growth. However, sugar is the only food on this list.
2. Elicit students to explain their thinking about their responses.
a. Students will respond that these are things plants need to live.
3. Discuss that you will be using the term “food” in a new way. Describe how our cells
and the cells of plants need specific molecules for fuel. This is the scientific concept of
food. A plant’s food is a carbohydrate/sugar called glucose (C6H12O6). It is created
through a chemical reaction that requires both energy and matter. The energy comes
from sunlight. Carbon dioxide and water are the building blocks needed for the
production of glucose.
Explore (15 minutes):
1. Have your students sign in to Legends of Learning. Instruct students to complete the
Instructional playlist.
a. This will allow students to interact with the concept of photosynthesis and build
a framework.
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