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Photosynthesis Activities for Middle School Science

The resources below will provide students a comprehensive understanding of photosynthesis. All of the following lessons are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

The Photosynthesis 5E Lesson includes materials for every "E" phase, including the Photosynthesis Station Lab for Exploration and an interactive PowerPoint with digital INB templates for Explanation.

The lesson also includes introduction materials for Engagement, student-choice project ideas for Elaboration, and assessments for Evaluation.

After completing the Photosynthesis 5E Lesson, students will be able to describe how radiant energy changes into chemical energy, and how the Law of Conservation of Mass relates to photosynthesis.

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The Photosynthesis Inquiry Lab is a hands-on activity that is differentiated for advanced, on-level, and modified middle school students.

Students will recognize that radiant energy from the Sun is transformed into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis.

The Photosynthesis Inquiry Lab includes a brief reading passage, comprehension checks, hands-on activities, reflection questions, and a CER conclusion.

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The Photosynthesis Sub Plan is a complete lesson that takes students through a warm-up, reading passage, independent activity, extension activities, and an assessment.

The worksheets are designed to make your sub day a breeze for you, your students, and the substitute teacher. They are also perfect for distance learning.

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Photosynthesis Classroom Experiences

Create a powerful student experience to help solidify students' understanding about photosynthesis. The following experience is also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Escape Rooms

The Photosynthesis Escape Room is an immersive experience for your students. It allows them to demonstrate their knowledge of photosynthesis in a fun and engaging way.

Students must use what they have learned, including to recognize that radiant energy from the Sun is transformed into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. They will also recognize that chemical formulas are used to identify substances and determine the number of atoms of each element in chemical formulas containing subscripts; analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred; develop and use a model to describe how the total number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus mass is conserved; and construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms to complete the escape room.


Year-Round Resources

These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Visual Data & Graphing

You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.

Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups

These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.

Review Board Games

Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.

Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.


Essential Questions and Standards

Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the photosynthesis unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Essential Questions
  • How does radiant energy from the Sun change into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis in a green plant?
  • How does the Law of Conservation of Mass relate to photosynthesis?
Standards
  • MS LS1-6 - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms
  • TEKS Science 7.5 A - Recognize that radiant energy from the Sun is transformed into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis

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Kesler Science Membership

Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).

Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.