Example
Input prompt
Make a lesson plan about photosynthesis for middle school science class.
Result from enhanced prompt
Photosynthesis: How Plants Make Food
Grade Level
7th grade
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Explain how plants convert sunlight into usable energy
- Identify the key inputs and outputs of photosynthesis
- Describe the role of chloroplasts and chlorophyll in photosynthesis
Materials
- Colored paper, scissors, tape
- Flashlights
- Clear plastic cups, straws
- Baking soda, water
- Worksheets, exit tickets
Lesson Plan
Opener (5-10 min)
- Show a short video clip of a time-lapse of plants growing towards the sun
- Ask students to discuss with a partner: What do you think is happening? Why do plants need sunlight?
- Call on a few pairs to share ideas and write key words on the board (e.g. sunlight, energy, growth)
Introduction (10-15 min)
- Explain that today we'll be learning about photosynthesis - the amazing process plants use to make their own food using sunlight
- Draw a simple diagram on the board showing the inputs (CO2, H2O, sunlight) and outputs (glucose, O2) of photosynthesis
- Emphasize that plants are the only living things that can make their own food - all other life depends on them!
- Check for understanding: Have students fill in the blanks on the diagram in their notes
Activity 1: Building a Chloroplast (20 min)
- Divide class into groups of 3-4 and give each group supplies to build a model chloroplast:
- Green paper for chlorophyll
- Yellow/orange paper for thylakoid membranes
- Clear cup for stroma
- Straw pieces for enzymes
- As they build, circulate to ask probing questions:
- What does the chlorophyll do? (absorbs sunlight)
- Where does the CO2 enter the chloroplast? (stroma)
- What's produced in the thylakoid? (ATP for energy)
- Have groups show and explain their models to each other
Activity 2: Photosynthesis in Action (20 min)
- Demo how to set up a simple experiment:
- Pour baking soda solution into 2 clear cups to provide CO2
- Add a few sprigs of an aquatic plant to each
- Place one in bright light and one in a dark closet
- Have students set up their own experiments and make predictions
- While waiting, explain the equation for photosynthesis and practice balancing it
- Check plants at end of class and discuss results tomorrow
Conclusion (5-10 min)
- Review key points: photosynthesis uses sunlight to convert CO2 and H2O into glucose and O2
- Chlorophyll in chloroplasts absorbs the light energy to power this process
- Plants are amazing solar-powered sugar factories!
- Preview that tomorrow we'll learn more about how plants use the glucose they make
- Exit Ticket: 3-2-1 (3 things learned, 2 questions, 1 "aha" moment)
Differentiation
- Provide partially filled-in notes/diagrams for students who need more support
- Allow students to verbally explain models or write key points for assessment
- Offer extension: research C3, C4 and CAM plants and how they photosynthesize differently
Additional Resources
