Photosynthesis Role Play
Pupils discover how photosynthesis is the basis for all life on Earth.
Age range: 11-12 ages
Duration: 20 minutes
Biomimicry Connection:
Nature only uses the energy it needs and relies on freely availble energy.
Activity Details:
Tools and Materials
- Role play text (download here).
- Character cards (download here).
- Any costumes, decorations for the play (pupils can prepare these before the class)
Preparation
The play can be performed indoors or out. The costumes and decoration can be made by pupils, or use a dressing up box old clothes, rags, etc. so pupils can select what they wish.
Print and cut out the character cards and print the role play text according to the number of pupils.
Description
Key to life on Earth is that green plants produce glucose from water and carbon dioxide using sunlight. Using glucose, plants can produce organic compounds in which energy can be stored.
Some pupils might not have learnt about photosynthesis. This simple equation explains the process:
Carbon dioxide + water + sunlight (photon energy) = glucose + oxygen
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air through their stoma, and water is absorbed by their roots and delivered to the cells. A chemical reaction then takes place in which oxygen escapes through the stomas, and the sugar (glucose) is converted into the substances necessary for the construction of plants and animals.
You can find a description of the photosynthesis play in the role play text. If the whole class plays, several children can be water, sugar, oxygen and/or carbon dioxide. Select pupils for the different roles and let them practice for a couple of minutes, and then have a performance.
After the performance, discuss with pupils, why are green plants the basis of life on the Earth?