6 min
5
10.04.2022
What is photosynthesis in a nutshell?
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis — a synthesis of organic compounds from carbon dioxide and water with the mandatory use of light energy.
To simplify this term, we can say that photosynthesis provides the transformation of light energy into a form of organic compounds.
Usually, students receive basic knowledge about this process during schooling. Certainly, this affirmation does not imply that all mysteries and nuances of photosynthesis are already discovered and meticulously studied.
This denotes only that basic principles of the photosynthesis process can be explained even in school and that there is no critical need to study doctoral coursework about biochemical details of photosystem-1 functioning and the synthesis of phosphoenolpyruvate to understand fundamentals of photosynthesis.
Why it is essential to study photosynthesis in school?
Undoubtedly, there exists also an important nuance about this educational program, which signifies the importance of early study about photosynthesis. It would be completely correct to say that the contemporary biosphere of the Earth was created as the result of the activity of photosynthetic organisms. Therefore, it is considered to instill knowledge in students about basic ecology principles using photosynthetic organisms as a simple and usable example.
In addition, writing an analysis of photosynthesis in school also develops other necessary students’ skills, such as analytic abilities and creative writing techniques. Pupils have to remember that a perfectly written assignment must not be dull.
Naturally, a laboratory report must be accomplished in an appropriate manner; in accordance will all demands of a modern format, and it has to contain all significant facts about the materials and techniques that were used during the work. However, an ambitious apprentice will always find a place in conclusions to manifest his or her analytical skills and creativity.
Undoubtedly, the obtained practical abilities and theoretical knowledge will inevitably come in handy during future education. If one knows how to finish a complicated task that requires many efforts, such as a laboratory paper, in this case, a simple problem on how to write a book review will not become an obstacle either.
Studying photosynthesis also has a great number of advantages. Among the most important of them, we can separate the following theses:
- Simplicity in performing. The overcomplicated scientific equipment is not determinatively necessary to do experiments with plants. When you receive an assignment to write a paper about marketing paper topics, you usually need a specially designed software for advanced computations. All you need to create an appropriate lab report are a pair of skillful hands, a few plants, and a bit of patience.
- Apprehensibility of the obtained results. There is no crucial need to deliver long lectures about the particularities of the photosynthetic process. Students will be capable of seeing the received results with their own eyes. An interesting and understandable demonstration will undoubtedly convince all skeptics. Therefore, a primal educational objective will be achieved, avoiding any possible problems.
- Development of independence in students. Pupils can accomplish practically all phases of the experiment without a direct teacher’s assistance, which will improve their practical abilities. Moreover, performing a report about the details of the photosynthetic process will develop their writing abilities, either. Eventually, this is a purpose of a complex education: to create and evolve interconnections between different branches of study and to instill this knowledge in an apprentice’s mind. An educated student has to know what is a capstone project as well as how to conduct a laboratory experiment.
- Total safety of the experimental process. Dangerous acids, high voltage, or sharp instruments are unnecessary for experimenting with ordinary plants. Also, carrots have never attacked someone; at least there is no registered case of this savage crime. Therefore, you can be sure that no one will get any damage during an experiment.
Photosynthesis lab report example
Here is an elementary example of a photosynthetic laboratory experiment with plants. In this experiment, we will use waterweed as an object of study. You can employ practically any kind of plant according to your taste. We will use a water plant because, in that way, the process will be more illustrative.
We will put a plant in water and cover it with a glass hubcap. Then we need to leave the plant for 20–30 minutes in a well-lighted place. The attentive students will be capable of noticing bubbles of gas on the surface of the leaves.
Soon, this gas will supplant water from the tube. Now, we have to find a substantiation that this gas is oxygen, which has been created during photosynthesis. To prove this affirmation, we need to bring a lighted match to the tube.
Remember that this operation has to be performed with all possible accuracy. We will see that in the environment of this mysterious gas, the match flares and produces a bright, powerful flame. That factor assuredly indicates that the plant produces oxygen because of photosynthesis.
As a result of the experiment, students will receive all the necessary knowledge about the photosynthetic process in plants.
The remaining part is just as important as the practical phase of work. Students have to write a report on their conclusions about the obtained results. Do not forget that it has to be written very carefully, just like the economist book reviews, to eschew all misunderstandings between lecturer and students. The final part of a laboratory report usually contains student’s impressions and hypotheses about the specifics of photosynthesis.
It would be irrational to undervalue the significance of one’s an independent way of thinking, so you have to direct pupils’ thoughts carefully.