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Copy_of_P_02_Photosynthesis_Lab_

This document outlines an investigation into the relationship between plants and carbon dioxide (CO2), focusing on whether plants use or produce CO2 under different light conditions. Students are instructed to design experiments using materials like bromothymol blue (BTB) and Elodea to observe changes in CO2 levels. The document also includes discussion questions for analyzing results and understanding the effects of light and temperature on photosynthesis.

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hurthhasani
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3 views

Copy_of_P_02_Photosynthesis_Lab_

This document outlines an investigation into the relationship between plants and carbon dioxide (CO2), focusing on whether plants use or produce CO2 under different light conditions. Students are instructed to design experiments using materials like bromothymol blue (BTB) and Elodea to observe changes in CO2 levels. The document also includes discussion questions for analyzing results and understanding the effects of light and temperature on photosynthesis.

Uploaded by

hurthhasani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name: __________________________________________ Period: _________ Date: ________

“What’s going on with plants and CO2?”


INTRODUCTION​
We learned that all living things use O2 and give off CO2 in the process of cellular respiration. Yet
we have also been told that plants use CO2 and produce O2. In this investigation we will try to figure out
exactly what is going on with CO2 and plants. Do they give it off? Do they use it? Could they possibly
do both? Does it matter whether they are in the dark or in the light?
​ You will be provided with materials you may need to try to answer these questions. You will
decide how you wish to set up your test tubes to give you the information you need. You may work only
with the materials given, but you may set up the experiment however you choose. Remember that you
need to include control (comparison) test tubes for each experimental tube you set up in order to get
meaningful results.
​ As our indicator of CO2 in this lab we will use bromothymol blue (BTB). The instructor will
demonstrate the properties of BTB for you before you begin the lab. Think about how the BTB will help
you to uncover what is happening as you work to design your experiment

MATERIALS PROVIDED
Elodea (an aquatic plant)
Bromothymol Blue aka BTB (an acid-base indicator)
Test tubes with caps (or corks)
Straws
Foil to cover tubes (for “DARK”)
Lamp
Test tube rack
Labels
Beakers

PROCEDURE

1. Plan how you will test each experimental question. You will put BTB in each tube, but what else will
you put in? Will you add CO2? A plant? Where will you put each tube – in the light, or in the dark? You
may use as few or as many as you want up to a maximum of 10 tubes. Show your plan by coloring the
test tubes above blue or yellow depending on whether you will add CO2 or not. Draw a green plant in the
tubes that will have a plant. Above each tube write “L” or “D” to show whether it will go in the light or
dark.

2. Once your group decides on a plan, set up a data table like the one shown on the next page, adding
rows as needed for each test tube. Number your tubes. (You will put this number on the label when you
set up this tube). Complete the first 4 columns showing what you will put in each tube, whether it will be
in the light or dark, what color it is at the start and what color you predict it will be at the end.

3. Set up your test tubes according to your plan. Label each one with its number, your period and table #.
a.​ If you decide to add CO2, do so by bubbling your breath through the BTB. Stop as soon as it
changes color!
b.​ If you decide you need any test tubes without plants, tell the teacher what you want to put in the
test tube and whether you want it in the light or the dark. The teacher will set-up that test tube for
you.

4. When test tubes are ready, record initial indicator colors for each tube and complete the “Expected
Indicator Change” column for each one. These are your hypotheses.

5. The next day record the final indicator colors and complete the “Interpretation” column. Tell what the
change (or perhaps, lack of change) tells you about what the plant is doing.

SAMPLE DATA TABLE


(You may design your own, but the instructions refer to this sample.)

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DAY 1 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1.​ The experiment you just completed had you test photosynthesis in the light vs the dark.
How do you think the results would look if you were to test the vials in hot vs cold
environments instead? Do you think this would have any effect? Why or why not?

2.​ What if you were to create a 3rd set of vials where you allowed only a little bit of light to get
through? What do you expect the results of this vial to look like?

3.​ If you were to complete this experiment with a different plant species, how do you think
that would affect the results? What factors of a plant would affect its photosynthetic rate?

DAY 2 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Compare your group’s results with at least 2 other groups. Did your results agree with the other
groups? If not, what was different and how can you account for the differences?

2. Check your data. Do any of your expected changes (hypotheses) disagree with your actual changes?
Explain any differences.

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3. Did you have the proper controls (comparison tubes) needed to make sense of your data? If you not,
what controls should you have set up?

4. Which test tubes changed color?


a.​ What do those changes tell us about the substances present in each?
b.​ For each tube that changed, tell what life process you believe is responsible for the change in
color.

5. Do you have any evidence from your experiment that light alone does not change the color of BTB?

6. Is CO2 involved in a plant that is not carrying on photosynthesis? If so, how? What evidence from
your experiments supports this statement?

7. Did the design of your experiment allow you to answer all parts of the experimental question? If not,
what could you do differently next time?

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