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Learning Goal
Students will be able to demonstrate
their understanding of photosynthesis
and cellular respiration in multiple
contexts, at multiple scales.
Some Common Misconceptions about
Photosynthesis & Respiration
Concept 1: Matter disappears during
decomposition of organisms in the soil.
Concept 2: Photosynthesis as Energy:
Photosynthesis provides energy for uptake
of nutrients through roots which builds
biomass. No biomass built through
photosynthesis alone.
Thinking about:
Tools: use multiple forms of assessment
Need to move from:
‘what questions’ to ‘why’ questions
Use data: inform instructional design
Assessment Design
Multiple iterations/versions of the
carbon cycle problem
Pretest, midterm, final with additional
formative assessments during class
Administered during instruction
Multiple choice question
(pre-post)
The majority of actual weight (dry biomass) gained by
plants as they progress from seed to adult plant comes
from which one of the following substances?
a. Particle substances in soil that are take up by plant roots.
(15%).
b. Molecules in the air that enter through holes in the plant
leaves (4%).
c. Substances dissolved in water taken up directly by plant
roots. (28%).
d. Energy from the sun (29%).
N=138
Radish Problem (formative)
Experimental Setup:
Weighed out 3 batches of radish seeds each
weighing 1.5 g.
Experimental treatments:
1. Seeds placed on moistened paper towels in LIGHT
2. Seeds placed on moistened paper towels in DARK
3. Seeds not moistened (left DRY) placed in light
Radish problem (2)
After 1 week, all plant material was dried in an
oven overnight (no water left) and plant biomass
was measured in grams.
Predict the biomass of the plant material in the
various treatments.
Water, light
Water, dark
No water, light
Results:
Weight of Radish Seedlings
1.46 g
1.63 g
1.20 g
Write an explanation about the results.