Energy Sciences

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 16.04.10

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Energy for Ecosystems
  2. Activities
  3. Teacher Resources
  4. Student Resources
  5. References
  6. Appendix A. Implementing District Standards

The Backwards and Forwards of Photosynthesis

Larissa A. Spreng

Published September 2016

Tools for this Unit:

Appendix A. Implementing District Standards

Connecticut Content Standards

Conceptual Theme 10

Matter and Energy in Ecosystems – How do matter and energy flow through ecosystems?10

Content Standards 10

6.2 - An ecosystem is composed of all the populations that are living in a certain space and the physical factors with which they interact.  Populations in ecosystems are affected by biotic factors, such as other populations, and abiotic factors, such as soil and water supply.  Populations in ecosystems can be categorized as producers, consumers and decomposers of organic matter. 10

Grade Level Concept 10

Populations in ecosystems are affected by biotic factors, such as other populations, and abiotic factors, such as soil and water supply. 10

CMT Expected Performance 10

C 4.  Describe how abiotic factors, such as temperature, water and sunlight, affect the ability of plants to create their own food through photosynthesis. 10

Next Generation Science Standards11

Performance Expectations 11

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 energy. 11

MS-LS1-7.  Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism. 11

Disciplinary Core Ideas 11

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

Plant, algae (including phytoplankton), and many microorganisms use the energy from light to make sugars (food) from carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water though the process of photosynthesis, which also releases oxygen.  These sugars can be used immediately or stored for growth or later use.  Within individual organisms, food moves through a series of chemical reactions in which it is broken down and rearranged to form new molecules, to support growth, or to release energy. 11

PS3.D:  Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life

The chemical reaction by which plants produce complex food molecules (sugars) requires an energy input (i.e., from sunlight) to occur.  In this reaction, carbon dioxide and water combine to form carbon-based organic molecules and release oxygen.  Cellular respiration in plants and animals involves chemical reactions with oxygen that release stored energy.  In these processes, complex molecules containing carbon react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and other materials. 11

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