Twenty Four Hours in a Plant's Life

This article describes the set-up and continuation of an experiment that helps students actually view aspects of the carbon cycle. Closterium algae are grown in the classroom within a seale... See More

This article describes the set-up and continuation of an experiment that helps students actually view aspects of the carbon cycle. Closterium algae are grown in the classroom within a sealed container. There are light bulbs that turn on and off to show the light and dark cycle of plants. This experiment shows photosynthesis and respiration of the algae. This is an interesting classroom activity but it does require lots of equipment and time.

The importance of CO2 for Photosynthesis

The article presents a nice model to show students the importance of CO2 to plant growth. However, the article stated it would teach students the carbon cycle and this it really doesn't do. ... See More

The article presents a nice model to show students the importance of CO2 to plant growth. However, the article stated it would teach students the carbon cycle and this it really doesn't do. It shows only a limited portion of the carbon cycle - that plants take up carbon, nothing else. After reading the article I wondered if after the initial demonstration student inquiry could be added in the form of additional experiments on the remaining algae, like what would be the effect of adding fertilizers like that that run off the fields? Or could a BOD meter be used in the liquids to see if any of the O2 was absorbed? As written, this is simply a demonstration lab for students to observe a teacher experiment to see what happens. With imagination a teacher could turn this lab into a more inquiry lesson that shows more steps than what is presented here. This could also be a good activity for elementary to show students about photosynthesis.