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11th Grade  Project 4 weeks

Light Battle: LED Colors vs. Plant Power!

Ari D
Feb 10, 2026
Updated Feb 10, 2026
HS-LS1-5
HS-LS1-5
Self Directed Learning
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in the exploration of photosynthesis through hands-on experimentation, deepening their understanding of how light wavelength influences plant growth and energy conversion. By designing and executing controlled experiments, students apply scientific methods to real-world agricultural challenges, fostering critical thinking and self-directed learning. Through reflection and collaboration, students develop comprehensive insights that connect classroom concepts to sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing their ability to contribute to future innovations in this field.

Learning goals

The learning goals for this experience include students understanding how different light wavelengths impact photosynthesis and exploring the implications for sustainable agricultural practices. They will also develop skills in designing controlled experiments, identifying and manipulating variables, and applying the scientific method. Through reflection and self-directed learning, students are expected to engage in critical thinking and collaboration while documenting their findings in digital portfolios. By the end of the project, students should have a deeper insight into photosynthesis and its optimization, as well as improved self-awareness in scientific inquiry practices.

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.
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.

Products

Students will create a comprehensive digital portfolio that includes detailed documentation of their experiment setup, methodology, and data analysis. The portfolio will feature visual presentations of their findings on the effect of different light wavelengths on photosynthesis, along with reflections on their learning journey. By the end of the project, students will present proposals for real-world applications in sustainable agriculture, showcasing their understanding of potential improvements and innovations in this field. Each student will compile peer feedback, personal reflections, and critique from the botanist to articulate how their project's outcomes can influence agricultural practices.

Launch

Engage students with a dynamic 'Photosynthesis Color Spectacular' kickoff event, featuring interactive stations that demonstrate the impact of different colored light sources on plant samples. At each station, students will use LED filters to visually experience the effects of various light wavelengths on plant growth, document their observations, and discuss as a group how these insights could translate to optimizing photosynthesis in agricultural settings. This immersive launch will ignite curiosity and provide foundational context for their upcoming experiments.

Exhibition

Transform the classroom into an interactive science fair, inviting local community members, educators, and parents to explore student workstations. Each station will feature digital portfolios showcasing experiment details, findings, and proposed agricultural applications, supplemented by visual displays and live plant samples. Encourage students to engage visitors with concise presentations and Q&A sessions, fostering dialogue on sustainable practices through optimized photosynthesis.

Plan
By Phase By Day Calendar
Question Design Collect Analyze Conclude
Question
Students will explore and construct investigable questions related to how specific light wavelengths influence photosynthesis, engaging in collaborative brainstorming and guided research sessions to refine their questions, and share them in weekly reflective discussions.
Days 1 - 3
Photosynthesis Light Stations
Launch 60m
Question Crafting Session
Deliverable
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Design
Students will collaboratively design controlled experiments to measure how different light wavelengths impact photosynthesis in selected plant species using LED filters, documenting their methodology and planning for data collection.
Days 4 - 7
Plan Photosynthesis Experiment
Deliverable
Annotated Bibliography Kickoff
Deliverable
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Collect
Students will methodically collect data on plant growth and photosynthesis rates under controlled light conditions, documenting observable changes and measurements, while critically engaging with their peers and using feedback to hone their data collection techniques.
Days 8 - 11
Record Plant Growth Data
Deliverable
Methodology Check Quiz
Assessment 1m
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Analyze
Students will analyze the collected data by creating graphs and charts to observe patterns of photosynthetic rates under different light wavelengths, discussing possible implications for sustainable agricultural practices during reflective sessions with peers and guided support from the teacher.
Days 12 - 16
Graphing Photosynthesis Data
Deliverable
Preliminary Findings Summary
Deliverable
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Conclude
Students will synthesize their findings into a conclusive statement, critically evaluate the limitations of their experimental process, and discuss potential agricultural applications, all while preparing and presenting a final digital portfolio in a peer-to-peer showcase session, inviting constructive feedback to bolster their understanding and application of photosynthesis optimization.
Days 17 - 20
Inquiry Process Reflection
Deliverable
Final Photosynthesis Portfolio Defense
Assessment
No activities have been added to this phase yet.

Edit Phase

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Question Days 1–3
Day 1
Photosynthesis Light Stations
Launch 60m
Day 2
Question Crafting Session
Deliverable
Day 3
Design Days 4–7
Day 4
Plan Photosynthesis Experiment
Deliverable
Day 5
Day 6
Annotated Bibliography Kickoff
Deliverable
Day 7
Collect Days 8–11
Day 8
Day 9
Record Plant Growth Data
Deliverable
Day 10
Day 11
Methodology Check Quiz
Assessment 1m
Analyze Days 12–16
Day 12
Graphing Photosynthesis Data
Deliverable
Day 13
Day 14
Preliminary Findings Summary
Deliverable
Day 15
Day 16
Conclude Days 17–20
Day 17
Day 18
Day 19
Inquiry Process Reflection
Deliverable
Day 20
Final Photosynthesis Portfolio Defense
Assessment

June 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
15 Day 1
Question
Photosynthesis Light Stations
16 Day 2
Question Crafting Session
17 Day 3
18 Day 4
Design
Plan Photosynthesis Experiment
19 Day 5
22 Day 6
Annotated Bibliography Kickoff
23 Day 7
24 Day 8
Collect
25 Day 9
Record Plant Growth Data
26 Day 10

July 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
29 Day 11
Methodology Check Quiz
30 Day 12
Analyze
Graphing Photosynthesis Data
1 Day 13
2 Day 14
Preliminary Findings Summary
3 Day 15
6 Day 16
7 Day 17
Conclude
8 Day 18
9 Day 19
Inquiry Process Reflection
10 Day 20
Final Photosynthesis Portfolio Defense
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