Photosynthesis Lab Experiments

Photosynthesis Lab Experiments
••• Green leaves image by BlackFox from Fotolia.com

The science of photosynthesis can be difficult for students, especially younger students, to understand without hands-on activities allowing them to see what they are being taught. Lab experiments that teach the fundamentals of photosynthesis can be conducted with children as young as elementary school. These experiments are designed to supplement the more theoretical elements of photosynthesis since they illustrate the effects of sunlight deprivation on plants, rather than explicitly showing how plants convert sunlight into food.

Sunlight Deprivation

After explaining the basics of photosynthesis, how plants make sugar out of sunlight, you can illustrate the effects of sunlight deprivation on plants. Using bean sprouts or another type of inexpensive and fast-growing plant, give each child two plants potted in small paper cups. Each child places one plant on a sunny windowsill and the other in a closet with no windows. Each plant is given equal soil and watered over the course of a week. At the end of the week, have the children compare the plants. The droopy sun-deprived plant demonstrates how the inability to photosynthesize harms plants.

Experiments with Chlorophyll

Fundamental to a lesson about photosynthesis is an explanation of chlorophyll and the vital role it plans in helping plants harness the power of the sun. A simple lab experiment uses simple materials: scissors, glass jars, coffee filters, and acetone. Students cut up two or three large leaves (which need not be green). Mix the leaf pieces in acetone and let sit for a day. Cut the coffee filters into strips and dip one end into the acetone. As the plant chemicals released by the acetone move up the filter paper, a strip of green becomes visible, this is the chlorophyll.

The Chemical Reactions of Photosynthesis

Once students understand the fundamentals of photosynthesis, educators can lead them through a simple experiment where they can witness first-hand the one of the chemical reactions of photosynthesis. Using small plants purchased at an aquarium store, student place samples of the plant in water-filled test tubes which they cork. Over the course of half an hour tiny air bubbles will develop on the walls of the test tube. These bubbles are evidence of the chemical reaction whereby plants covert carbon dioxide and water (hydrogen) into carbohydrates (food).

Related Articles

Simple Photosynthesis Activities
Steps to Photosynthesis for Middle School Science
High School Science Experiments With Plants
Photosynthesis Activities for Middle School
What Is the Relationship Between CO2 & Oxygen in Photosynthesis?
Rainforest Ecosystem School Projects
What Is Reduced & Oxidized in Photosynthesis?
Types of Biology Experiments
What Type of Plants Are Best for Science Projects?
How Do Plants Make Oxygen?
Science Experiments With Plants for Kids
How Does Photosynthesis Work in Plants?
Cool Science Experiments for Teens
Cool Science Project Ideas for K-4th Grade
What Seeds Are Best for Science Projects?
What Is the Photosynthesis Equation?
The Three Stages of Photosynthesis
What Is the Sun's Role in Photosynthesis?
Materials Needed for Photosynthesis

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!