Photosynthesis Middle School Lesson and Infographic Bonus Activity

This introductory lesson package discuss Photosynthesis as well as how Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration are linked. This lesson is intended for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade - Middle School.

✅ Covers Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration with inquiry-based slides and discussion prompts

✅ Includes Teacher + Student Presentations, Auto-Graded Exit Ticket & Infographic Activity

✅ Aligned with NGSS MS-LS1-5, MS-LS1-6, MS-LS1-7, and MS-LS2-3 standards

✅ No-Prep, Editable Format with built-in videos and fill-in-the-blank student notes

This package includes the lesson (student and teacher versions of the presentation), two embedded videos, a 4-question auto-graded Exit Ticket, an infographic activity, and a student lesson handout as a document. The presentation is fun and applicable with many opportunities for inquiry-based learning and discussion.

In order, the lesson covers:

• Solar energy
• Earth’s energy budget
• Chloroplasts
• Chlorophyll
• Why Leaves Change Color
• Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
• Cellular energy (ATP)
• Photosynthesis and Life

Included in the lesson package is:

• The teacher version of the presentation
• The student version of the presentation
• 4-Question auto-graded Exit Ticket
• Two embedded videos
• Infographic Activity
• Student lesson handout

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) that would be relevant include:

• MS-LS1-5. Construct a function argument supported by evidence that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.
  • This standard can tie into the discussion of how plants use carbon dioxide and water in the process of photosynthesis, which is the basis for their growth and the starting point for cellular respiration.
• MS-LS1-6. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
  • This standard directly relates to photosynthesis and its importance in the movement of energy and matter through living systems.
• MS-LS1-7. Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
  • Cellular respiration can be explored through this standard as it involves the chemical reactions that release energy from food.
• MS-LS2-3. Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter and flow of energy among living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.

The student version of the presentation contains multiple blanks that need to be filled in throughout the lesson. These blanks are conveniently underlined and bolded on the teacher copy. I have found this to be the most effective means of keeping my students engaged and active without having them write everything out. This also leaves more time for discussion and activities.

I also have a range of assignments and lessons/units from other grade levels at my store. Please CLICK HERE to have a look around and don’t forget to follow if you like what you see.