Looking for a more RIGOROUS photosynthesis and cellular respiration CER activity? Spark critical thinking with DATA ANALYSIS and CER stations! Perfect for NGSS-MS-LS1-6 and MS-LS1-7!
This Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Data Analysis Activity gets students analyzing REAL-WORLD EXAMPLES and DATA while applying their understanding of key concepts, including photosynthesis, cellular respiration, reactants and products of the reactions, and the cycling of carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Students rotate through 14 data analysis stations, reading short scientific explanations and interpreting data tables, graphs, and diagrams to construct Claim-Evidence-Reasoning (CER) responses.
Includes both paper-based and digital Google Slides options to assign.
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HOW IT WORKS: Students visit 14 NO PREP stations. At each, students will:
- READ a brief passage on each station card. The station card explains a real-world scientific concept related to photosynthesis or cellular respiration and includes a DATA TABLE, GRAPH, or DIAGRAM for students to analyze.
- ANSWER A CER QUESTION to make a CLAIM based on EVIDENCE. Students use information from the text and data to support their answer and explain their REASONING. Students are not guessing. Each question guides them toward a clear, evidence-based response in CER format.
The 14 NO PREP Stations Cover the Following Topics:
- how plants gain mass during growth
- carbon dioxide uptake during photosynthesis
- how light intensity affects photosynthesis
- the roles of sunlight and chlorophyll in sugar production
- reactants, products, and conservation of matter in photosynthesis
- photosynthesis and cellular respiration during day and night
- cellular respiration and energy needs during physical activity
- oxygen and carbon dioxide in inhaled and exhaled air
- carbon dioxide production by yeast
- reactants, products, and conservation of matter in cellular respiration
- energy use and storage in organisms
- seasonal changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide
- photosynthesis and cellular respiration in producers, consumers, and decomposers
Related Standards:
- NGSS MS-LS1-6: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and flow of energy into and out of organisms.
- NGSS MS-LS1-7: Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions, forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as matter moves through an organism.
- NGSS Science and Engineering Practice, Engaging in Argument from Evidence: Students use scientific data as evidence to support claims and explain their reasoning.
- NGSS Science and Engineering Practice, Analyzing and Interpreting Data: Students analyze graphs, tables, and other data displays to identify patterns and relationships.
Teacher Notes:
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- Works well individually, with partners, or in small groups. Stations can be completed in any order.
- Great for reviewing and reinforcing photosynthesis and cellular respiration concepts while building critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills.
- Includes a complete answer key.
- Please note that this Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration CER Activity is NOT editable.
- GO PAPERLESS! Use the included digital Google Slides option to assign
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