How Plants Make Food From Light

Discovering the amazing process of photosynthesis Year 8 Science

What is Photosynthesis?

The process plants use to make their own food Plants capture energy from sunlight They combine water and carbon dioxide This creates glucose (sugar) and oxygen

Think About This...

What would happen to life on Earth if plants couldn't make their own food?

The Photosynthesis Equation

The Star Player: Chlorophyll

Green pigment found in plant cells Captures light energy from the sun Located in special structures called chloroplasts This is why most plants are green!

Photosynthesis in Action

Photosynthesis vs Cellular Respiration

{"left":"Plants make glucose using light energy\nHappens in chloroplasts\nProduces oxygen as waste\nOccurs during the day","right":"Plants and animals break down glucose for energy\nHappens in mitochondria\nProduces carbon dioxide as waste\nOccurs all the time"}

Photosynthesis Detective

Work in pairs to identify what each part of the photosynthesis equation represents Match the chemical symbols to their everyday names Draw arrows showing the flow of energy and materials Explain why each component is essential