A definition: Photosynthesis!

Five things are needed for photosynthesis: (3 are inputs) Travels up from the roots of the plant WATER CARBON DIOXIDE Enters the leaf through small holes on the bottom SUNLIGHT Gives the plant energy CHLOROPHYLL The green molecules that absorb sunlight to provide energy for photosynthesis Temperature

The word and chemical equations for photosynthesis: Carbon dioxide + water glucose + oxygen 6CO 2 + 6H 2 0C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2 Sunlight Chlorophyll Sunlight Chlorophyll

Four factors affect photosynthesis: 1. Light – Light provides energy for photosynthesis to happen in the first place. If there is more light, photosynthesis happens faster. 2. Water – helps the chemical reaction happen. If there is not enough water photosynthesis slows down or even stops. 3. CO 2 – Provides the carbon for the chemical reaction. If there is more carbon dioxide, photosynthesis will happen quicker. 4. Temperature – the best temperature is about 59 – 100 degrees Fahrenheit – anything above or below will slow photosynthesis down

3 inputs 2 outputs  Inputs  Water  Light  Carbon Dioxide / CO 2  Outputs  Glucose (sugar)  Oxygen

Why do you think plants are green?

Why are plants green?  Whenever you see that something has a color, that part of the light spectrum is being reflected, while other colors are being absorbed  If your shirt is red, the red part of the light spectrum is being reflected, while the green and blue parts are being absorbed  There is more red and blue light than there is green  So, reflecting green and absorbing everything else means the plant gets to absorb the most light possible!

Photosynthesis Song  What What… 

Exit Slip 1. Why might plants turn yellow and wilt? 2. Why would a plant die if it was sealed in a Tupperware container? 3. What 3 inputs are required for photosynthesis? 4. What is one output produced by photosynthesis?