A Better Way to 'See' Photosynthesis
- Observe real-time changes in oxygen production
- Collect real-time data in a controlled isolated environment
- Measure oxygen concentration directly
The Teaching Challenge
Typical experiments involving photosynthesis require students to infer oxygen production and changes in the rate of photosynthesis by using chloroplasts and dye.
What if your students could directly measure oxygen production? And immediately see the results of environmental changes on the rate of oxygen production?
Direct measurement of oxygen production is a surefire way to increase student comprehension of the basic concepts of photosynthesis. When presented in this manner with no guessing or inferences, students will make faster and longer lasting connections to what they are observing. So the question is how to do it in a simple and complete fashion.
And more than that, how to do it in a way that ensures reliable data and repeatable results.
Students directly measure dissolved oxygen and easily see the relationship between light and rate of oxygen production.
The PASCO Solution
With the Photosynthesis Kit, you can provide your students a way to successfully "discover" photosynthesis for themselves.
- Dissolved Oxygen Sensor measures oxygen concentration directly -- no more inferred measurements or messy chemical indicators.
- Real time data means students see changes in oxygen production as they turn the light on and off. Data is directly connected to the experience.
- Students collect reliable and repeatable data with the isolated and controllable environment provided by the Photosynthesis Tank.
No more "what you should have seen is..."
With the SPARK Science Learning System (or other PASCO interface) and the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor, your students directly measure oxygen production -- even without a computer.
Results are graphed in real-time directly on the SPARK. As students change the conditions (turn light on and off), they can easily annotate their data. A complete version of this lab activity is available in PASCO's Biology through Inquiry (PS-2870)
Solution at a Glance
| Qty. | ||
| SPARK Science Learning System (PS-2008A) | $349 | 1 |
| Photosynthesis Tank (PS-2521A) | $79 | 1 |
| PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (PS-2108) | $225 | 1 |
| Magnetic Stirrer (SE-7700) | $98 | 1 |
For more product information and to order products separately, see below.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
SPARK Science Learning System (PS-2008A) - $349
An all-in-one mobile device that seamlessly integrates the power of probeware with inquiry-based content.
Already have an interface? Just get the tank and DO sensor
Photosynthesis Tank (PS-2521A) - $79
Designed to improve and give more flexibility to measuring dissolved oxygen during photosynthesis.
PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (PS-2108) - $225
Provides real-time, aqueous oxygen concentration measurements. For use with PASPORT Interfaces.
Want to use your existing computers?
SPARKvue Site License (PS-2400) - $249
SPARKvue software combines multimedia curriculum, real-time data collection, and powerful scientific analysis tools in an easy-to-use, icon-based user interface.
SPARKlink (PS-2009) - $129
SPARKlink is a sensor interface with two ports to accept PASPORT sensors and USB connection to a computer running SPARKvue software. Built in temperature and voltage sensors allow for measurements right out of the box.
Includes:
- USB Connection Cable for the Xplorer GLX and SPARK Science Learning System (PS-2528)
- Fast response temperature probe
- Voltage probe
Additional Information
Other materials required:
- Opaque cloth
- Elodea (or equivalent aquatic plant)
- Light source
- Water
- Ice (optional)
