T3 Photosynthesis

Performance Expectation(s): HS-LS1-5 Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on illustrating inputs and outputs of matter and the transfer and transformation of energy in photosynthesis by plants and other photosynthesizing organisms. Examples of models could include diagrams, chemical equations, and conceptual models.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include specific biochemical steps.]

Disciplinary Core Ideas:

LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms

Science & Engineering Practices:

Developing and Using Models

Crosscutting Concepts:

Energy and Matter

Observable features of the student performance by the end of the course (from the Evidence Statements):

HS-LS1-5

Components of the Model

a) From the given model, students identify and describe* the components of the model relevant for illustrating that photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy by converting carbon dioxide plus water into sugars plus released oxygen, including:

• Energy in the form of light;
• Breaking of chemical bonds to absorb energy;
• Formation of chemical bonds to release energy; and
• Matter in the form of carbon dioxide, water, sugar, and oxygen.

Relationships

a) Students identify the following relationship between components of the given model: Sugar and oxygen are produced by carbon dioxide and water by the process of photosynthesis.

Connections

a) Students use the given model to illustrate:

• The transfer of matter and flow of energy between the organism and its environment during photosynthesis; and
• Photosynthesis as resulting in the storage of energy in the difference between the energies of the chemical bonds of the inputs (carbon dioxide and water) and outputs (sugar and oxygen).