McIntosh High biology students studied environmental CO2 and its role in photosynthesis with hands-on experimentation.
Students in Cat Nolan’s 9th grade biology class dove into photosynthesis and respiration processes using the aquatic Elodea plant. They conducted experiments to demonstrate how Elodea uses carbon dioxide (CO2) during photosynthesis and releases it during respiration. Using a pH indicator, bromothymol blue, they observed color changes (blue to yellow and back to blue) that indicate the presence or absence of CO2.
The experiment is conducted under varying light and plant length conditions, providing students with a deeper understanding of how environmental factors impact these processes.
Through the interactive lab, students gain first-hand experience with the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis and respiration and how plants can recycle their by-products for energy. As photosynthesis is essential for plant growth and oxygen production, the lab offers students the opportunity to witness the intricate balance of life-sustaining processes in action.
The experiment is a crucial component of the curriculum designed to encourage students to think critically, form hypotheses, and analyze the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration in real-time. The lab helps better understand how plants create and use energy, revealing these processes' vital role in plant life and the environment.
Posted 12/3/2024
