Can we grow Plants in Space? Investigating cell structure, function and photosynthesis
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Can we grow Plants in Space?
This extended piece unit, using the research of Plants for Space, to build and apply knowledge of cell structure, function and photosynthesis to this question. Students with this mission guide are supported to design experiments and construct equipment to simulate microgravity, and phototropism to investigate some of the challenges and reveal the possibilities of growing plants in Space
Using the context of Plants for Space research investigating how to grow plants in space (and sustainable farming) students will:
- Explore structure and function of plant cells, organelles and their relationship with photosynthesis
- Investigate examples of plant cell structures and how cells respond to stimuli, illustrating how they help plants survive.
- Investigate how plants might grow in space conditions, how plants respond and how cell structure and function will be essential for plant survival.
There are a number of resources available, each can be used individually as a learning sequence.
Resources include:
- Explainers – Teaching and learning resources, e.g. video and text, that explain a particular concept or idea to support student learning directly of as part of an activity.
- Teacher Notes - offer advice on the scope and learning sequence. The notes outline a series of activities and how to carry them out, e.g. experiments.
- Student Mission Guide - The guide is designed as a work booklet to support thinking, learning, and to show understanding. The students use the booklet to carry out activities, explainers, opportunities to think and communicate thinking. It is structured to ensure students a rich and meaningful learning experience directly related to the authentic research of Plant for Space.
Suggested Teaching and Learning Sequence:
- Activate Prior Learning Activities
- Developing understanding Activities
- Investigation and Experiment Activities
- Assessment Activity