Photosynthesis Gizmo Simulated Lab
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class code: A6N3XFYNGY
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Using the above gizmo you will create simulated data to produce four mini-labs on the following topics:
□ The effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis
□ The effect of carbon dioxide levels on the rate of photosynthesis
□ The effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis
□ The effect of varying wavelength of light on the rate of photosynthesis
In addition to these mini-labs you will also answer some questions that relate to various parts of these mini-labs.
Each report will include:
□ An overall introduction of photosynthesis and the labs (see formal lab for overview of what goes in an introduction)
□ 4 mini-labs each one including:
§ Purpose
§ Hypothesis
§ Observations
o Chart (may export data or use screen captures)
o Graph (may export data or use screen captures)
§ Conclusion (very brief)
□ Complete, thoughtful and full sentence answers to the questions
Questions are on next page.
1. Observe: Set Temperature to 24°C, Light intensity to 50%, and CO2 level to 200 ppm.
A. Move the Temperature slider up and down. Were you able to increase oxygen production? (Return the slider to 24°C when finished.)
B. Move the Light intensity slider back and forth. Were you able to increase oxygen production? (Return the slider to 50% when finished.)
C. Move the CO2 level slider back and forth. Were you able to increase oxygen production? (Return the slider to 200 ppm when finished.)
2. In this situation, what was the limiting factor?
How do you know?
3. In each of the situations below, use the Gizmo to find the limiting factor.
Temperature / Light intensity / CO2 level / Limiting factor25°C / 60% / 700 ppm
15°C / 20% / 200 ppm
30°C / 50% / 400 ppm
4. Suppose you were a farmer trying to grow plants in a greenhouse. Why would it be important to know what the limiting factor is?
5. Suppose you were a farmer trying to grow plants in a greenhouse. Based on what you have learned in this simulated lab, what would be the ideal conditions for your setup?
6. When we look at a leaf, we see the colors of light that are reflected off its surface. How does this explain the relatively low flow of oxygen in green light?
7. Why would it be hard to find the ideal light intensity if the temperature were very hot or very cold?
8. Why would it be hard to find the ideal CO2 level if the light intensity were very low?
9. How does oxygen production relate to the rate of photosynthesis?
10. Research on the internet and then describe two other methods of experimentally assessing the rate of photosynthesis.