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High School Grade  Project 4 weeks

Snap, Shoot, Grow!

Emilio D
HS-LS1-5
HS-LS1-5
HS-LS2-5
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage high school students in a comprehensive exploration of photosynthesis through real-world applications and community involvement. By developing a community garden and conducting hands-on experiments, students will deepen their understanding of how photosynthesis contributes to carbon cycling and sustainable practices. This project aims to foster critical thinking, self-directed learning, and a sense of belonging as students collaborate with peers and community partners to address environmental challenges and present innovative solutions.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of photosynthesis and its role in energy transformation and carbon cycling, aligning with the Next Generation Science Standards. They will engage in self-directed learning through hands-on experiments, community garden projects, and interactions with local farmers, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By participating in the Green Energy Expo, students will build academic mindsets by presenting their findings and engaging in meaningful discussions with peers and community members. Through reflection and iterative feedback, they will cultivate a sense of identity and belonging while exploring innovative solutions to real-world environmental challenges.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS1-5 - Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS1-5 - Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-5 - Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create a thriving community garden, documenting the growth and photosynthesis rates of various plant species. They will develop detailed models illustrating photosynthesis and carbon cycling, which will be presented at the Green Energy Expo. Additionally, students will produce weekly reflection journals capturing their learning journey, insights, and the impact of their work on sustainable urban practices.

Launch

Kick off the project with an engaging 'Photosynthesis Quest,' where students embark on a scavenger hunt in the school garden or nearby park. They will collect various leaves and plant materials, which will later be used in laboratory experiments to observe photosynthesis. This interactive activity will spark curiosity and set the stage for deeper exploration of photosynthesis and its role in carbon cycling.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their learning at a 'Green Energy Expo,' where they will present their models and experiments on photosynthesis and carbon cycling. They will engage peers, teachers, and community members with interactive displays and demonstrations, highlighting their findings and innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions in urban areas. The expo will also feature a panel discussion where students articulate their insights and answer audience questions, demonstrating their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Rubric
Competency Progression Rubric Competency-first rubric
Category
Learning Goal
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Deeper Learning Competencies
Self Directed Learning
  • I can begin to explore photosynthesis by participating in hands-on activities like collecting leaves and observing plant growth, and I use feedback to help guide my understanding
  • I can start to create simple models that show how light energy changes into stored energy through photosynthesis and discuss my findings with others
  • I can independently use teacher and peer feedback to guide my learning and make improvements to my photosynthesis model, showing how light energy is transformed into stored chemical energy
  • I can explain how photosynthesis and cellular respiration contribute to the cycling of carbon and use this understanding to make adjustments to my community garden project, demonstrating my ability to connect my learning with real-world environmental solutions
  • I can independently use feedback from my teacher and peers to refine my models showing how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy and how it contributes to carbon cycling
  • I actively document my progress and learning in reflection journals, demonstrating my understanding of photosynthesis and its impact on sustainable practices, and I confidently present my findings and innovative solutions at the Green Energy Expo
  • I can independently design and conduct experiments that demonstrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy, using models and real-world data from our community garden
  • I actively seek and incorporate feedback from teachers and peers to refine my understanding, and I confidently present my findings and innovative solutions at the Green Energy Expo, engaging with community members and responding thoughtfully to questions about reducing carbon emissions
Deeper Learning Competencies
Academic Mindset
  • I can identify and explain one way that photosynthesis is important for my community's environment, and I am beginning to ask questions that help me understand how this process affects carbon cycling
  • I can explain how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy by using my model, and I can discuss how this process is essential for the cycling of carbon in our environment
  • I am learning to connect my understanding to real-world examples by participating in hands-on activities like developing a community garden and sharing my insights at the Green Energy Expo
  • I can confidently present my model illustrating how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy, and I can explain the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in carbon cycling during the Green Energy Expo
  • I engage meaningfully with peers and community members, using feedback to reflect on my learning journey and strengthen my understanding and identity as an environmentally conscious individual
  • I can confidently present and explain my detailed models on photosynthesis and carbon cycling at the Green Energy Expo, using feedback from teachers and peers to enhance my understanding and communication skills
  • I engage my audience with interactive displays, articulate my insights clearly during discussions, and actively answer questions, demonstrating my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities while showing how my work contributes to sustainable practices
Deeper Learning Competencies
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
  • I can gather basic information and attempt to create a simple model of photosynthesis, but I often need help to connect how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy
  • I can describe some steps of the process but may miss key details, and I am beginning to recognize the role of photosynthesis in carbon cycling
  • I can explain how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy using a model, and I can identify some of the key steps and components involved in this process
  • I actively engage in discussions to explore different approaches and ideas, and I seek feedback to refine my understanding and improve my model
  • I can effectively develop and present detailed models that illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy and its role in carbon cycling
  • I analyze my findings and connect them to real-world environmental challenges, demonstrating innovative approaches and solutions
  • I can effectively create and present a detailed model that illustrates how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy and demonstrates the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the carbon cycle
  • I can engage my audience with clear explanations and innovative solutions for reducing carbon emissions, showing my ability to connect scientific concepts to real-world environmental challenges
Learning Journey
Question Research Create Share Reflect Act/Apply
Question
Formulate meaningful questions based on observations, curiosity, or problems that need solving. Good inquiry questions are open-ended and lead to investigation.
Days 1 - 3
Project Introduction and Essential Question Exploration
Activity 20m
Photosynthesis Quest Launch
Activity 25m
Gallery Walk and Reflection
Activity 20m
Introduction to Photosynthesis Basics
Activity 25m
Model Building Workshop
Activity 20m
Peer Feedback Session
Activity 25m
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

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Research
Gather information through various methods such as research, experiments, observations, interviews, or data collection. This involves exploring multiple sources and perspectives.
Days 4 - 7
Research on Carbon Cycling
Activity 20m
Community Garden Planning
Activity 25m
Hands-on Lab Setup
Activity 20m
Data Collection and Journaling
Activity 25m
Carbon Cycling Research
Activity 20m
Collaborative Research Sharing
Activity 25m
Photosynthesis Experiment Setup
Activity 25m
Data Analysis Introduction
Activity 20m
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Create
Synthesize findings and develop new understanding, solutions, or products based on the investigation. This might involve building models, creating presentations, or forming conclusions.
Days 8 - 12
Community Garden Creation
Activity 25m
Garden Progress Reflection
Activity 20m
Model Development Workshop
Activity 25m
Critique and Revision Session
Activity 20m
Field Trip Planning
Activity 20m
Weekly Reflection Journal
Activity 25m
Advanced Photosynthesis Experimentation
Activity 25m
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Activity 20m
Community Garden Monitoring
Activity 20m
Feedback and Iteration
Activity 25m
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Share
Students will present their community garden project, experimental findings, and photosynthesis models at the 'Green Energy Expo,' engaging in discussions with peers and community members to gather feedback and diverse perspectives.
Days 13 - 15
Model Refinement Workshop
Activity 20m
Preparation for Green Energy Expo
Activity 25m
Field Trip to Local Farm
Activity 45m
Exhibition Rehearsal
Activity 25m
Weekly Reflection Journal
Activity 20m
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Reflect
Consider the process and outcomes. Consider what was learned, what worked well, what could be improved, and what new questions have emerged.
Days 16 - 17
Reflection Journal Session
Activity 20m
Peer Discussion Forum
Activity 25m
Final Reflection and Synthesis
Activity 20m
Feedback Synthesis and Goal Setting
Activity 25m
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Act/Apply
Use the new knowledge or understanding to take action, make decisions, or solve problems. This connects learning to real-world application.
Days 18 - 20
Community Garden Showcase Preparation
Activity 25m
Model and Presentation Rehearsal
Activity 20m
Green Energy Expo Setup
Activity 20m
Expo Dry Run
Activity 25m
Green Energy Expo Execution
Activity 45m
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