Author(s): Adrianna

How can we simulate Photosynthesis through coding?

In this lesson, students will be using a Scratch program to simulate photosynthesis. They will learn to represent important processes through coding and be able to explain the key components of photosynthesis. They will have the opportunity to tinker with the provided code, adding their features and components to simulate an in-depth process of photosynthesis. Debugging and troubleshooting will also be used to refine their programs.

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Lesson Introduction – How will code help students understand Photosynthesis?

Students will be introduced to what photosynthesis is and how the process works. Students will be shown the example code program I created. It mimics how water and sunlight contribute to the growth of plants. We will review how the codes were made and what is missing from this essential process. We will go over terms such as debugging, tinkering, concurrent events, repeat loops, and nested events. to teach students about coding terminology and which ones have been used already in the example program.

How to work on it:

• In partners, students will add elements (sprites) to the program (carbon dioxide, oxygen and sugar) to explain the process more in depth.
• Encourage students to play around with the different blocks to code (tinkering and debugging) and support them in creating programs.
• They may use external resources for support.
•  They will present their creation to the class.

The consolidation portion:

• Students will share their experiences and how they contributed to the learning of both coding and the concept of photosynthesis.
• This will be done through an exit ticket.

Further resource information:

Learning to Code & Coding to Learn

Main Subject: Grade 9 Science.

Other integrated subjects: Art, Coding, Biology and Chemistry.

URL Link: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1144616663

Tags: Nested events, Tinkering debugging, Repeat loops, Concurrent events, Trouble shooting, Science