6th - 8th Grade Module 7 Concept 2

Cycle 1

How do plants use energy to rearrange matter for their life processes?
Cycle Summary

In this cycle, students will construct an explanation that answers the guiding question, “How do plants use energy to rearrange matter for their life processes?”

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Session 1
Elicit

Students read the Von Helmont story and answer questions about how living things use energy and matter for life processes.

Engage

Students use evidence cards in order to discuss an explanation for the phenomenon observed by Von Helmont.

Session 2
Explore

Students conduct a virtual lab to see how light levels affect the rate of photosynthesis.
NOTE: Bean Planting Day

Session 3
Explain

Students complete a jigsaw activity to look at historical work of scientists who studied photosynthesis.
Students do a webquest to further understand the process of photosynthesis.

Session 4
Explain

Students complete a jigsaw activity to look at historical work of scientists who studied photosynthesis.
Students do a webquest to further understand the process of photosynthesis.

Session 5
Elaborate

Students develop a model to show the chemical process of photosynthesis, and use the model to discuss how energy and matter are being used during photosynthesis.

Session 6
Evaluate

Students revisit the Von Helmont evidence cards and discuss how their thinking has deepened or changed.
Students complete a formative assessment.

Extend
Extend

Students read and gather evidence to participate in a debate on biofuels.