Parts of a Plant Leaf with Photosynthesis – Activities, Worksheets, & Readings

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This is the second lesson in the unit Plants and Photosynthesis. It can be taught as a stand-alone lesson or as part of the larger unit.

In the unit, students are observing the phenomenon of watching a plant grow from seed. The phenomenon will be used to help students understand how plant systems are able to change matter into food we rely on for energy.

In this lesson, students will observe a second phenomenon by creating a “fingerprint” or imprint of a leaf. They will use their observations to explain the movement of gases into and out of the plant through the leaf.

Materials you will need for this lesson include:

Plant leaf

Tweezers

Clear nail polish

Clear tape (be sure note to use matte)

Microscope slide

Microscope

OPTIONAL Materials for modeling project- poster paper; art materials such as crayons, markers and paints; maker space materials for 3D modeling, tape, glue, paper, etc.

Included in this PDF:

Lab data collection worksheet and instructions for 1 labs/activities

Interactive Reading Passage

Handouts, rubrics, and instructions for a differentiated modeling assessment

Next Generation Science 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.

MS-LS1-3 Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.

Grade Level:

6-8

Teaching Days:

3-4

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