The requirements and products of photosynthesis: practical
I can predict and investigate the presence of starch in the leaves of living plants kept in different conditions, and can explain my predictions and observations.
The requirements and products of photosynthesis: practical
I can predict and investigate the presence of starch in the leaves of living plants kept in different conditions, and can explain my predictions and observations.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some of the glucose made by photosynthesis is converted into starch and stored in starch grains in leaf cells.
- Iodine solution can be used to test plant leaf tissue for the presence of starch.
- A scientific prediction is a testable statement about a possible outcome, which can be tested in an experiment.
- Predicting the iodine test result for destarched leaves kept in various conditions, and explaining the predictions.
- Observing the iodine test result for destarched leaves kept in various conditions, and explaining the observations.
Keywords
Photosynthesis - the process used by producers to make their own food via a series of chemical reactions
Glucose - a type of sugar, which is a simple carbohydrate
Starch - a complex carbohydrate, made of many glucose molecules joined together to form a polymer
Iodine solution - a reagent that can be used to test for the presence of starch
Prediction - a scientific prediction is a testable statement about a possible outcome, which could be tested in an experiment
Common misconception
Mixing up a prediction, an observation and an explanation.
This practical lesson explores predictions, observations and explanations in the context of using iodine solution to test leaves for starch.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: The requirements and products of photosynthesis: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: The requirements and products of photosynthesis: practical, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Photosynthesis: requirements and products unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Geranium, kettle, large beakers, heat-proof mats, boiling tubes, glass rods, forceps, ethanol, Petri dishes, white tiles, iodine solution, droppers, foil, bell jars, soda lime, marble chips, acid.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
