These diagnostic questions and response activities (contained in the zip file) support students in being able to:

• Recall that plants are living organisms that need food to stay alive and grow.

• Recall that plants are producers that use a process called photosynthesis to make their...

The Earth's population is increasing, but at the same time the amount of suitable farmland is decreasing due to factors including climate change and the growth of cities. Producing sufficient food to feed everyone is a global challenge. This activity sheet builds on students' knowledge of photosynthesis and plant...

The aim of the Children’s Learning in Science Project (CLIS) was to discover how to use a constructivist approach to teach selected topics, and translate this into materials which could be used by teachers. The teaching strategies suggested to achieve the CLIS objectives in lessons include a focus on the use of: *...

The teaching materials in this resource were produced by the Plant Nutrition working group of the Children’s Learning in Science Project (CLIS). The scheme includes teaching strategies that are intended to help students understand difficult concepts.

One of a series of resources from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS) investigating key topics in plant biology. This reliable and enjoyable practical gives students the opportunity to observe the different pigments involved in photosynthesis using thin layer chromatography (TLC). A low-cost method to get the...

Can understanding photosynthesis help save thousands of lives a year?

This poster and accompanying article introduce C3 and C4 photosynthesis in the context of food security and genetic modification.

Rice biologists have a problem. Rice is a staple food for more than half the world’s...

This Catalyst article explains how artificial photosynthesis could provide a useful energy supply and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Experiments are underway in labs around the world. The aim is to use the basis of Photosynthesis to recycle the huge amounts of Carbon Dioxide being emitted...

The report from the Children’s Learning in Science Project (CLIS) gives an account of a number of aspects of students’ understanding of plant nutrition including:
*To what extent do students understand that plants carry out autotrophic nutrition and not...

This Children’s Learning in Science Project (CLIS) workshop pack was a resource for the professional development of science teachers. The pack was designed to model the CLIS approach to teaching by revealing the misconceptions of the participating teachers.

Contents

*Introduction to the contents of...

This resource, from SAPS, supports the use of practicals across 2015 A-level biology specifications.

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One of a series of resources from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS) investigating key topics in plant biology. A reliable way to demonstrate photosynthesis in the classroom. When the pond-weed Cabomba is placed in a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate in the presence of light of appropriate intensity, it...

This animation allows students to view the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. In particular, it tackles the common misconception among students that respiration in plants does not take place at the same time as photosynthesis...

This resource takes a slightly different slant on how plants can help reduce the build up of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and thereby help prevent climate change.  In the video Ben Ainslie, Olympic gold medallist and driver for the Great Britain SailGP Team, explains how seagrass can be used to reduce carbon...

In this practical investigation, students measure the rate of photosynthesis in plants from different habitats (sun and shade), and then consider what this demonstrates about leaf adaptation.

When leaf discs are...