| Explore | We know that plants grow and undergo photosynthesis. We have learned that through photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water combine with sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. We are curious how different types of plants respond to photosynthesis differently and whether some plants photosynthesize faster than others. |
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| Research Question | We want to test the rates at which different types of plants photosynthesize. Do different types of plants photosynthesize at different rates? We came up with this question because in our experiment at school relating plants and photosynthesis, we only used one type of leaf for the three different solutions that we were testing. This made us curious whether a different type of leaf would respond differently. |
| Predictions | A possible outcome is that one plant will photosynthesize faster than another. It is also possible that they will photosynthesize around the same rate however, we think that their rates will be different because different plants contain different characteristics such as color and size that can impact how quickly they absorb light and therefore, photosynthesize. |
| Experimental Design | Our plan is to do a very similar lab to our spinach lab except we will add another plant and only have one solution. We will compare spinach rates to another type of lettuce's rates, one with a different color and texture, to see how these characteristics impact photosynthesis. We will repeat all of the same steps however only using the solution with baking soda so that there is only one variable being manipulated (type of plant). We will also stir the solutions every minute or so to be sure that the leaves are not stuck to the sides. |
| Conclusion | We can take one picture at the time of the first float (of all of the cups), then another picture when 50% have floated and finally, one when 100% have floated (in at least one cup). |
| Investigation Theme | POS |
| Grade Level | High School Students (Grades 9,10,11,12) |
| School Name | Mountain View High School |
| Session | Fall 2017 |