Introduction
Dipti Das
Grade Level
4th Grade Science (EC–6)
Time Frame
One class period (about 45–60 minutes)
Have you ever think about how plants get food if they do not eat like people?
Plants do not go to store or cook food. They make their own food by using sunlight. This process is called photosynthesis.
In this WebQuest, students will learn how plants make food and why photosynthesis is very important for plants, animals, and humans.
Task
In this lesson, students will learn about photosynthesis. This is a new science topic for students.
The purpose of this lesson is for students to understand:
-
What photosynthesis is
-
What plants need to make food
-
Why photosynthesis is important for living things
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to explain how plants make food using sunlight, water, and air. Students will also complete a short activity to show what they learned.
Process
Follow each step in order. All the links and resources you need are on this page.
Step 1: Watch a Video
First, watch the video about photosynthesis for kids.
The video will explain how plants make food.
While watching the video, students should think about:
-
What plants need
-
What plants make
Step 2: Read About Photosynthesis
Next, click the link and read the website about photosynthesis for kids.
Students should look for:
-
Sunlight
-
Water
-
Carbon dioxide
-
Oxygen
This reading will help students understand the video better.
https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/what-photosynthesis
Step 3: Vocabulary Practice (Technology Tool)
Students will practice vocabulary using Quizlet.
The vocabulary words are:
-
Photosynthesis
-
Chlorophyll
-
Sunlight
-
Oxygen
Students can click the link to practice the words.
Step 4: Review Game
After learning, students will play a Kahoot game to review photosynthesis.
This will help students check their understanding in a fun way.
Step 5: Student Work
Students will choose one of the following:
-
Make a Google Slide with 3 slides explaining photosynthesis
-
Write a short paragraph (5–6 sentences) about how plants make food
The work must include:
-
What photosynthesis is
-
What plants need
-
Why photosynthesis is important
Evaluation
Students will be graded using a rubric.
Grading
-
Understanding of photosynthesis – 10 points
-
Using correct vocabulary – 5 points
-
Effort and completion – 5 points
Total points: 20
-
18–20 points = A
-
15–17 points = B
-
12–14 points = C
Conclusion
Good job!
In this lesson, students learned how plants make food using photosynthesis. Students learned that plants need sunlight, water, and air to survive. Photosynthesis is important because it helps plants grow and gives oxygen to people and animals.
If students want to learn more, they can watch the extra video below to learn more about plants.
Credits
Credits / Works Cited
Smithsonian Science Education Center. (n.d.). What is photosynthesis?
https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/what-photosynthesis
YouTube. (n.d.). Photosynthesis for kids [Video].
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAtmg8IhcUs
Quizlet. (n.d.). Biology key concepts: Cells, photosynthesis, and plant structures.
https://quizlet.com/405048470/biology-key-concepts-cells-photosynthesis-and-plant-structures-flash-cards/
Teacher Page
TEKS 4.5(A): Examine how structures and functions help plants survive
TEKS 4.2(B): Use tools and resources to learn science information
This WebQuest uses simple words and clear steps.
Videos and links are included for students to use.