Using Algae Beads as a Model for Photosynthesis
Life Sciences, Biology—Photosynthesis. Recommended for grades 8-12.
Teacher Prep time: 30 min, 3-4 weeks prior to student activity
Student time: 30-45 min
Additional time: 10 min for 3 additional days for observations
Apron Required
Safety Gloves Required
Safety Goggles Required
ViewEssential Question
How does photosynthesis transform light energy into stored chemical energy?
Activity Objectives
- Create green algae spheres for use in photosynthesis experiments.
- Observe algae beads for evidence of photosynthesis.
Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS)
Science and Engineering Practices
Developing and Using Models
- Modeling in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to using, synthesizing, and developing models to predict and show relationships among variables between systems and their components in the natural and designed worlds.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
- The process of photosynthesis converts light energy to stored chemical energy by converting carbon dioxide plus water into sugars plus released oxygen. (HS-LS1.C)
Crosscutting Concepts
Energy and Matter
- Changes of energy and matter in a system can be described in terms of energy and matter flows into, out of, and within that system. (HS-LS1-5)
Cause and Effect
- Cause and effect relationships can be suggested and predicted for complex natural and human.
Safety & Disposal
Wash contents down a lab sink/drain using plenty of water. Dispose of any waste in accordance with local regulations.
Procedures
Use a highly concentrated algae culture that appears dark green. If beginning with a non-concentrated culture, allow it to grow for 3 to 4 weeks under constant lighting to achieve desired population density. It should appear dark green prior to use. The algae beads can be stored in the distilled water and refrigerated for approximately 2 weeks.
- Place 5 mL of green algae culture into a culture tube.
- Prepare the algae culture 3 to 4 weeks prior to the activity to ensure a high concentration of algae. The culture should be dark green.
- Add 2.5 mL of 2% sodium alginate solution to the tube, place the cap on the tube, and mix for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Collect some of the mixture into your pipet.
- Hold the pipet over a beaker containing 3% calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution. The calcium chloride solution should be cold.
- Prepare the CaCl2 solution a day prior to use and refrigerate it. Keep it cold throughout the procedure.
- Gently depress the bulb on your pipet to release the algae mixture drop by drop into the beaker. Do this slowly and uniformly. As the algae mixture drops in the calcium chloride, the algae will be immobilized inside of a bead. Your mixture should allow you to make approximately 100 algae beads.
- Make sure students are not squirting algae into the CaCl2 solution. Each drop should form a bead.
- Collect your beads using the plastic spoon provided and rinse them using the distilled water in the wash bottle.
- Transfer the beads to your clean culture tubes and fill the tubes with distilled water.
- Tightly wrap one tube with aluminum foil so no light can penetrate.
- Place the tubes in a well-lit area designated by your teacher.
- Use a light bank or lamp with a flexible neck. The light should remain on for the duration of observations.
- Observe the algae beads daily for 3 to 4 days. Rinse the tubes when finished.
- Observe the algae beads daily for 3 to 4 days. Rinse the tubes when finished.
Data
| Observations | Not Wrapped (color, position in tube) |
Wrapped (color, position in tube) |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Algae is dark green and beads are spread throughout. | Same |
| Day 2 | Algae beads are still green. Some are beginning to rise. | Few if any rise |
| Day 3 | Most algae beads are now at the surface. | Few if any rise |
| Day 4 | All the beads are at the surface. | Few if any rise. |
Analysis & Discussion
-
Explain the differences in results between the covered and uncover tubes.
The uncovered tube has the light necessary to photosynthesize, but the covered one does not.
-
What causes the algae beads to float to the surface?
The build-up of oxygen trapped inside the beads.
-
Use the evidence you gathered to develop a model explaining the relationship between the position of algae beads in the tube and photosynthesis.
The oxygen gas produced during photosynthesis in the unwrapped tube is trapped in the algae beads. As oxygen gas builds up, the density of a bead decreases, allowing the bead to float to the surface. Algae beads do not come to the surface in the wrapped tube because without light, the algae cannot photosynthesize.
*Next Generation Science Standards® is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards were involved in the production of, and do not endorse, these products.
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