This activity guide looks at how to quantify photosynthesis.

The resource details a hands-on activity in which students learn a simple technique for quantifying the amount of photosynthesis that occurs in a given period of time.

In this activity, students use this technique to compare the amounts of photosynthesis that occur under low and high light levels. However, before they begin the experiment, students are asked to come up with a well-worded hypothesis to be tested.

After running the experiment, students pool their data to get a larger sample size and then analyse the class statistics, graph and interpret the results.

NOTE: This activity uses the plant Elodea, which is only permitted in Victoria. See the related question 'Is it illegal to grow Hydrilla verticillata in Western Australia?' for more information.

Australian Curriculum v9 Codes: AC9S5U01 (Year 5), AC9S6U01 (Year 6), AC9S8U01 (Year 8), AC9S8U02 (Year 8)