As described in previous sections, the CarboSchools website provides a plethora of lesson plans. In this section of the blog, I will model one of the sample lessons in a (modified) 5E format (Engage, Explore, Explain, Explore, Explain, Evaluate, Extend).
Standard(s) addressed:
CA Science Standard: Earth Science 4b.) Students know the fate of incoming solar radiation in terms of reflection, absorption, and photosynthesis.
(DAY 1)
Engage:
Teacher will begin a quick review with the students can go over main concepts regarding photosynthesis; how it works, what it needs, etc. The instructor will allow a brief period (5 minutes or so) to write down everything they know about photosynthesis (this lesson is tailored towards the latter stages of teaching photosynthesis). The instructor will then tell students to pair up with a partner and compare their responses.
Explore:
After their conversation is over, the teacher will pass out worksheets, to the pairs, with a blank diagram of a basic open gas-exchange system. The worksheet will contain different situations with different variables (ie: species, color, age, texture of a leaf, different levels of radiation and temperature) and ask students to predict what they think will happen in the specific situations. Sample responses will include an answer backed up with evidence. Students will be given a word bank and will be asked to include certain keywords in their responses.
Explain:
Now, pairs will pair up with each other to form groups of 4. In these groups, students will be asked to compare their responses and come to a collective consensus on which model they believe is the most accurate. The teacher will now provide some direct instruction and try and provide information to aid students' understanding of the model, the concept of photosynthesis and factors that may affect photosynthesis. The teacher will also introduce the CIRAS-1, an infrared gas analyzer that can calculate CO2 (ppm) absorption, photosynthesis, respiration, stomatal conductance, and transpiration. The students will be instructed on how to use it, will be informed on what information they can receive from the device and how to extrapolate the data from the device to Excel or any other compatible format.
(DAY 2)
Explore:
Students will work in their groups of 4 and begin using the CIRAS-1 on different sample plants. They will follow a fairly thorough worksheet that provides detailed instructions regarding what they should measure, what they should measure for, how to measure, how to store data etc. Teacher will have a secondary role in this section of the class and only aid students with answers to procedural questions
Explain:
After students finish collecting data they will export the data so that they can analyze and use it to answer questions. To address to CA Science Standard, students will be asked to respond to questions regarding photosynthesis, solar radiation, the effect of reflection and absorption for each leaf. They will be asked to explain, using data as evidence, why certain leaves had low rates of photosynthesis (ie: strong ability to reflect radiation) if size of leaves matter, the height of the leaves, etc.
Evaluate:
Now students will receive their initial models and revise them based on knowledge they've gained from the experiment. They will be able to reflect on what they initially thought, what they learned, and how their knowledge has evolved throughout the lesson. They will (individually) write small responses, 3-5 sentences, that explain their previous (mis)conceptions, how the lab exercise reinforced or made them re-evaluate those (mis)conceptions, and why they thought this lab was beneficial or ineffective in terms of refining their knowledge of photosynthesis and solar radiation.
Extend:
The teacher will now ask students to think about other factors that may affect photosynthesis. The teacher will ask students to do research online to determine other factors may influence photosynthesis. The concepts introduced in class, ie: stomatal resistance, may have been too complex or advanced for students to understand so hopefully students will be able to refine their own understanding via their own research.
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