Process
You are now ready to begin your task! Remember--as you scan through the information on the websites listed below, be sure take thorough notes and be sure to really try to get an understanding of what photosynthesis is and what its importance is to life on earth. You are trying to save the world! You will need all the knowledge you have to be able to carry out this important mission.
In order to complete your task, you should complete the following steps:
1.
First, you will gain a basic understanding of what photosynthesis is by exploring the following websites. Remember, you and your partner should take turns taking notes as you move from website to website. These notes will be turned in later to show the preparatory work you underwent to create your PowerPoint presentation. Look below at the description of the PowerPoint presentation portion of the assignment to get an idea of what kind of information you will need to create the presentation.
- Go here for a good, simple, and somewhat humorous introduction to photosynthesis:
- Go here to find out about the energy flow in ecosystems and the role of photosynthesis in this energy cycle:
- Go here to learn a little bit more about the mechanism of photosynthesis (be paying attention to what the inputs and outputs are in the process):
- Go here to learn more about where and how photosynthesis takes place:
- Go here to do a cool, animated activity that will help you better understand the inputs and outputs of the photosynthetic process and will show you how the important outputs are formed (to reach this animation click on the Illuminating Photosynthesis link on the right hand part of the page):
- Go to this site to help solidify your understanding of the inputs and outputs of the photosynthetic process:
2.
Now, take out a piece of notebook paper. Write your names at the top of the paper. On this paper you will be making a list (the order of the items will not matter). At the top of the sheet of paper write the words "The Importance of Photosynthesis." First, write down as much as you know about why photosynthesis is important (to us as humans, to the environment in general, etc.). You can refer back to the above websites to help you complete this list if necessary. Next, after you have written down as much as you want to, skip a few lines on the paper (or go onto the back of the paper) and write the words "Important Uses of Plants." Now you are going to explore the following two websites and will make notes on this sheet of paper about important uses of plants.
3.
You are now ready to create your presentation!
Open PowerPoint on your computer.
Using the notes you have taken so far, create a presentation in which you explain the basics about photosynthesis (how and where it occurs) and explain the importance of photosynthesis and of plants in general.
The format of your presentation is basically up to you. It should, however, be made in a professional manner. Remember your audience while you are creating it. You are creating this for an advisory committee of the PRESIDENT!
You want to create a presentation that they will take seriously and pay attention to.
You have some freedom to decide what you want to be in your presentation, but the more detailed and thorough the presentation, the more the advisory committee will take it (and YOU) seriously.
You should consider including the following information in your presentation:
Open PowerPoint on your computer.
Using the notes you have taken so far, create a presentation in which you explain the basics about photosynthesis (how and where it occurs) and explain the importance of photosynthesis and of plants in general.
The format of your presentation is basically up to you. It should, however, be made in a professional manner. Remember your audience while you are creating it. You are creating this for an advisory committee of the PRESIDENT!
You want to create a presentation that they will take seriously and pay attention to.
You have some freedom to decide what you want to be in your presentation, but the more detailed and thorough the presentation, the more the advisory committee will take it (and YOU) seriously.
You should consider including the following information in your presentation:
- The fuel of photosynthesis (inputs)
- The location of photosynthesis (where in the plant it occurs)
- The basic mechanism of photosynthesis (what happens)
- The outputs of photosynthesis (what is created during the process and why it's important)
- The equation for photosynthesis
- Other reasons why photosynthesis is important (reasons why chemical should not be released into the atmosphere to block sunlight)
- Reasons why plants are important (and what the decreased sunlight would do to plants)
4.
After you complete your presentation, you will send it to me through Dropbox. After doing this, you should gather up all of your notes that you took (both of you) and staple these to together along with the sheet entitled "Importance of Photosynthesis" that you created. Make sure your names are on the first page and then hand this small packet to the assignment box.