Photosynthesis and Plant Productivity

Thin layer chromatography

• Practical protocol (SSERC)
• Supporting PowerPoint (SSERC)

Activities with algae:

• Background notes on immobilised algae (originally produced by SAPS)
• Protocol for using immobilised algae
• Immobilised algae powerpoint (note this is provided here as a pdf file; originals are available and can be requested)
• Measurement of compensation point
  • Practical protocol
  • Supporting PowerPoint (SSERC)
• Photosynthesis
  • Limiting factors [SSERC Bulletin article]
  • Limiting factors in photosynthesis – carbon dioxide [SSERC Bulletin article]
  • Limiting factors (a protocol using CO₂ probes)

The Hill Reaction

• Practical protocol (SSERC)
• Supporting PowerPoint (SSERC)
• An appreciation of Robert Hill (Author – David Walker)

Photosynthesis, food production and turbocharging

An activity to encourage learners to develop as scientifically literate citizens. After completing appropriate practical work on the topic of photosynthesis learners could be given the following activity which will encourage them to look at innovative ways of maximising food production through the understanding of photosynthesis. The activity and the related articles all relate directly to the curriculum and could form the basis of assignments on the topic of photosynthesis.

NASA Earth Observatory Videos:

• Chlorophyll Levels
• Vegetation Index
• Net Primary Productivity
• Net Radiation levels

Publications:

• Cabomba towers – how to make your own!
• Algal tube production – simple and effective
• Respiration experiments – using immobilised algae
• Exocharmic Cabomba – School Science Review article
• Measuring gaseous CO₂
• Making the invisible visible – (School Science Review article by Roger Delpech)
• Measurement of limiting factors in photosynthesis – School Science Review article