Identify photosynthesis inputs and outputs
Identify photosynthesis inputs and outputs using supplied evidence and a solved model.
About 18 minutes, plus any extended practice
Supplied materials
- All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
- Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
- Reference card A: carbon-containing input from air. Reference card B: input taken up from surroundings.
- Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Air supplies carbon for sugar.
- Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Roots supply the listed liquid.
- Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Plant makes its food molecules.
- Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Photosynthesis releases this gas.
- Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Carbon input arrives from air.
- Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Food product stores chemical energy.
Learn the idea
Green plants use light energy to build sugars from water and carbon dioxide. Much plant mass comes from air carbon, not from eating soil. This simplified model omits many steps.
Carbon dioxide means carbon-containing input from air. Water means input taken up from surroundings. Sugar means energy-containing food made by plant. Oxygen means gas released in the simplified photosynthesis model.
For carbon dioxide, look for the clue “carbon-containing input from air.” For water, look for “input taken up from surroundings.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.
- Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
- Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
- Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
- Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.
See the method in action
Worked reference-card problem: a card states “carbon-containing input from air”; a second states “input taken up from surroundings.” The first fits carbon dioxide and the second fits water. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.
Check your reasoning
Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.
Helpful tips
- Use the feature “carbon-containing input from air” to justify carbon dioxide; do not sort by the name alone.
- Distinguish water (input taken up from surroundings) from a different process occurring in the same situation.
See the answer and explanation
carbon dioxide
The answer is carbon dioxide. In the notes, it means “carbon-containing input from air.” Green plants use light energy to build sugars from water and carbon dioxide. Much plant mass comes from air carbon, not from eating soil. This simplified model omits many steps.
Take it further
Create one new case showing carbon dioxide and one showing water. Expected: the first explicitly shows “carbon-containing input from air”; the second explicitly shows “input taken up from surroundings.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.
Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.
More practice: try new cases
Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.
Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.
Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.
Check the subject sources
These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.