Tag Archives: photosynthesis

2022 Vol 3: Understanding the Science of Light

 “Plants – Having a Light Lunch”: Understanding the Science of Light

Karyn Hays, 3rd Grade, Davidson K-8 School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

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Synopsis: This curriculum unit provides appropriate level background knowledge for a Third Grade teacher to facilitate students as they explore the ‘big idea’ of “How do plants respond to light?” Students will explore our biggest source of light energy, the sun and some of the properties of light energy in a series of labs. The outcome of this unit is to help students identify and explain the basic properties of solar energy and how it can be used by plants and humans. Students will observe changes in different materials as they interact with light and discuss their observations with their peers and the class in a seminar style discussion. They will learn how light energy is a beam that can be transferred from the sun to a collector – such as a plant. Students will also explore how light can be collected from different angles and study cause and effect scenarios to note differences in how matter will respond to light. Students will experiment with how a solar panel collects light and uses it for energy. Finally, they will use the data and observations collected in the labs to draw conclusions about how the sun’s light can be used for energy. 

2022 Vol 3: Understanding the Science of Light

Light, Light It’s Bright!

Genitia Johnson, 1st Grade, Huntingtowne Farms Elementary School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

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Synopsis: In this unit students will learn how light helps plants to grow. They learn science vocabulary words and explore photosynthesis. Students will learn how to grow a plant. They will write and draw about their observations. Students will learn about the importance of light while reading nonfiction stories. They will also learn nonfiction text features. The lessons will also include movement, music, gestures, and hands-on experiences. I am also writing this unit for students who are learning English as a second language and in the Dual Language Program. This unit will provide them with basic science vocabulary words by using visuals and gestures. This unit will integrate science, literacy, writing, and learning English as a second language. 

2022 Vol 6: Carolina Cuisine: History and Science of Food

From Academic to Practical: Application of Academic Knowledge of Plants to Practicing Horticulture and Preparing Food

Zachary Sanford, Exceptional Children, Hough High School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

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Synopsis: This focus of this unit is to teach students with intellectual disabilities about plants, the different types of plants, plant reproduction, the different types of plant propagation, and how to turn plants that are grown into food. This unit will provide a completed adapted chapter and worksheets. The unit will begin with an introduction to to plants, plant cells, and different types of plants. The students will compare and contrast plant and animal cells, the different types of plants, and how the different plants reproduce. The second lesson will focus on applying the knowledge of plants to the process of horticulture and growing. The students will study the different plant reproduction and apply the knowledge to growing different plants in a small garden. The students will determine the best soil and methods for the plants grown, The final lesson will cover the practical application of growing plants as a vocation. This section/lesson will involve trips to different greenhouses and visiting different growers to learn about growing a cultivation as a job. This section will be hands on. The students will grow different plants and create different dishes with the plants. The lessons will involve hands-on experiences as well as adapted assessments and worksheets. 

2022 Vol 3: Understanding the Science of Light

Red Light, Green Light: An Exploration of Light and Photosynthesis

Elizabeth Kerr, 1st Grade, Bain Elementary School

Curriculum Unit (PDF)

Click on the arrow to read the Synopsis.

Synopsis: This unit will look at light and how it is a requirement of plants to survive. Different wavelengths of light affect photosynthesis differently. Students will work to design an experiment to observe how different wavelengths of light affect the plant’s growth. This will lead into a discussion on food chains/webs, where students will discover that the sun and plants are the beginning of every chain/web. This unit will require students to take measurements and record data at least once a week for at least three weeks. 

2019 Curriculum Units Vol 5: Climate Science and Solution Strategies

Views on an Individual’s Moral Obligation to Limit Climate Change

Takeema Evans, Science, Hawthorne Academy

Curriculum Unit (pdf)

Synopsis

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2018 Curriculum Units Vol 1: The Art and Chemistry of Light

Natural Light, Artificial Light, and Pollution: Effects on Evolution, Behavior, and Photosynthesis

Zachary Sanford, Science, William A. Hough High School

Curriculum Unit (pdf)

Synopsis

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2018 Curriculum Units Vol 1: The Art and Chemistry of Light

The Colorful Visualization of Linear Functions

Helen Davis, Math, Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School

Curriculum Unit (pdf)

Synopsis

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2016 Curriculum Units Vol 2: How Science is Done: A Behind the Scenes Look at Scientific Research

The Tools of Science—Methods for Collecting Data in High School Biology

Connie Scercy Wood, Biology, East Mecklenburg High School

Curriculum Unit (pdf)

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2015 Vol 6: Integrating Concepts in Life Sciences

Understanding Ecosystems: Learning and Living in the Carolinas

Kimberly Luter Terrell, Fifth Grade, Steele Creek Elementary School

Final Unit(pdf)   Implementing Teaching Standards(pdf)

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2014 Curriculum Units Vol 3: Metamorphosis: Transformative Experiences

Metamorphosis: Transformative Experiences Understanding the Scientific Process through a Study of Plants and Animals: How Biotic and Abiotic Factors Affect Change!

Julie Ruziska Tiddy, Science, Carmel Middle School

Final Unit (PDF)  Implementing Common Core Standards (PDF)

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2013 Curriculum Units Vol 2: The Nature of Energy: How We Use and Store it to Power Our Everyday Lives

Artificial Photosynthesis: Mimicking Plants to Produce the Fuel of the Future

Trista Hartman, Biology, Providence High School

Final Unit (PDF)     Implementing Common Core Standards (PDF)

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