Created byRonald Worrell

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Photosynthesis Escape Room Design

Grade 8Science3 days

In this project, 8th-grade students design a photosynthesis-themed escape room to teach others about the process and its impact. Beginning with a mystery involving wilting plants, students investigate photosynthesis, create diagrams of inputs and outputs, explain energy conversion and chlorophyll's role, and explore its effects on the Earth. The project culminates in a detailed escape room blueprint with puzzles and clues related to photosynthesis concepts, assessed through a comprehensive rubric and reflective prompts.

PhotosynthesisEscape RoomChlorophyllEnergy ConversionEcosystemsInputs and OutputsScience

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design an engaging escape room that teaches others about the crucial elements, processes, and impacts of photosynthesis on our planet?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the key ingredients needed for photosynthesis to occur?
How do plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose)?
What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis?
How does the process of photosynthesis contribute to the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems?
What are the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis?
How does photosynthesis relate to cellular respiration?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to explain the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis.
Students will be able to describe how plants convert light energy into chemical energy.
Students will be able to explain the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.
Students will be able to describe the impact of photosynthesis on the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems.
Students will be able to design an engaging escape room.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

The Mysterious Case of the Wilting Plants

A local greenhouse is facing a crisis: their plants are mysteriously wilting despite proper watering. Students, as botanical detectives, must investigate the scene, analyze clues related to photosynthesis, and solve the mystery to save the plants before it's too late, setting the stage for designing their own photosynthesis-themed escape room.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Photosynthesis Input-Output Challenge

Students will create a detailed diagram illustrating the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis. They will label each component and explain its role in the process.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the essential components of photosynthesis: carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and chlorophyll.

2. Identify the products of photosynthesis: glucose and oxygen.

3. Create a diagram that visually represents the inputs and outputs, using arrows to show the flow of the process.

4. Write a brief explanation for each component, detailing its role in photosynthesis.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA labeled diagram of photosynthesis with detailed explanations of inputs and outputs.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to explain the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis.

Activity 2

Energy Conversion Explanation

Students will write a step-by-step explanation of how plants convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) during photosynthesis.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis.

2. Outline the process, breaking it down into manageable steps.

3. Write a detailed explanation of each step, focusing on how light energy is captured and converted.

4. Use diagrams or illustrations to support your explanation.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written explanation with diagrams illustrating the conversion of light energy into chemical energy.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to describe how plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

Activity 3

Chlorophyll's Crucial Role

Students will conduct research on chlorophyll and create a presentation (poster, slideshow, or short video) explaining its role in photosynthesis.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the structure and function of chlorophyll.

2. Explain how chlorophyll captures light energy.

3. Describe the different types of chlorophyll and their roles.

4. Create a presentation that effectively communicates the importance of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA presentation (poster, slideshow, or video) explaining the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to explain the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.

Activity 4

Photosynthesis and Our Planet

Students will write an essay discussing the impact of photosynthesis on the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the impact of photosynthesis on oxygen levels in the atmosphere.

2. Investigate how photosynthesis supports food chains and ecosystems.

3. Discuss the role of photosynthesis in carbon cycling.

4. Write an essay that synthesizes your research and presents a clear understanding of the impact of photosynthesis.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn essay detailing the impact of photosynthesis on the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to describe the impact of photosynthesis on the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems.

Activity 5

Escape Room Design Blueprint

Students will design a detailed blueprint for their photosynthesis-themed escape room, including the puzzles, clues, and overall narrative.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Brainstorm ideas for puzzles and clues related to photosynthesis.

2. Develop a narrative that connects the puzzles and creates an engaging experience.

3. Create a detailed blueprint of the escape room layout.

4. Outline the steps players will need to take to solve the escape room.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed blueprint of the photosynthesis-themed escape room, including puzzles, clues, and narrative.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Students will be able to design an engaging escape room.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Photosynthesis Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Understanding of Photosynthesis Inputs and Outputs

This category assesses the student's understanding of the reactants and products involved in photosynthesis and their ability to accurately represent and explain them.

Criterion 1

Accuracy of Diagram

The accuracy with which the diagram represents the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis.

Exemplary

4 Points

The diagram is exceptionally accurate and clearly labels all inputs and outputs of photosynthesis with no errors. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding.

Proficient

3 Points

The diagram is accurate and correctly labels most inputs and outputs of photosynthesis. Demonstrates a thorough understanding.

Developing

2 Points

The diagram contains some inaccuracies or omissions in labeling inputs and outputs of photosynthesis. Shows emerging understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

The diagram is largely inaccurate or incomplete, with significant errors in labeling inputs and outputs of photosynthesis. Shows initial understanding.

Criterion 2

Explanation of Components

The clarity and detail of the explanations provided for each input and output of photosynthesis.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides comprehensive and insightful explanations for each component, demonstrating a deep understanding of its role in photosynthesis. Applies concepts innovatively.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides clear and detailed explanations for each component, accurately describing its role in photosynthesis. Applies concepts appropriately.

Developing

2 Points

Provides basic explanations for each component, but some details may be missing or unclear. Shows emerging understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides incomplete or inaccurate explanations for each component, demonstrating a limited understanding of its role in photosynthesis. Struggles with concept application.

Category 2

Explanation of Energy Conversion

This category assesses the student's ability to explain how plants convert light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis.

Criterion 1

Clarity of Explanation

The clarity and organization of the written explanation of energy conversion.

Exemplary

4 Points

The explanation is exceptionally clear, concise, and well-organized, providing a detailed and insightful account of energy conversion. Demonstrates exceptional critical thinking.

Proficient

3 Points

The explanation is clear, well-organized, and provides a thorough account of energy conversion. Shows effective critical thinking.

Developing

2 Points

The explanation is somewhat disorganized or unclear in places, and some details about energy conversion may be missing. Demonstrates basic critical thinking.

Beginning

1 Points

The explanation is disorganized, unclear, and lacks important details about energy conversion. Demonstrates minimal critical thinking.

Criterion 2

Accuracy of Process Description

The accuracy with which the explanation describes the steps involved in converting light energy into chemical energy.

Exemplary

4 Points

The explanation accurately and comprehensively describes all steps involved in converting light energy into chemical energy, demonstrating a deep understanding of the process. Produces outstanding quality work.

Proficient

3 Points

The explanation accurately describes most steps involved in converting light energy into chemical energy. Produces quality work consistently.

Developing

2 Points

The explanation contains some inaccuracies or omissions in describing the steps involved in converting light energy into chemical energy. Produces work of varying quality.

Beginning

1 Points

The explanation is largely inaccurate or incomplete, with significant errors in describing the steps involved in converting light energy into chemical energy. Produces incomplete work.

Criterion 3

Quality of Supporting Visuals

How well the diagrams or illustrations support and enhance the explanation.

Exemplary

4 Points

Visuals are exceptionally clear, informative, and directly enhance the explanation, demonstrating an advanced integration of skills.

Proficient

3 Points

Visuals are clear, informative, and support the explanation effectively, successfully integrates skills.

Developing

2 Points

Visuals are present but may be unclear, lack detail, or only partially support the explanation, shows partial skill integration.

Beginning

1 Points

Visuals are missing, irrelevant, or do not support the explanation, shows limited skill integration.

Category 3

Understanding of Chlorophyll's Role

This category assesses the student's understanding of the structure, function, and importance of chlorophyll in photosynthesis.

Criterion 1

Accuracy of Information

The accuracy of the information presented in the presentation about chlorophyll.

Exemplary

4 Points

The presentation contains exceptionally accurate and detailed information about the structure, function, and types of chlorophyll. Provides comprehensive evidence.

Proficient

3 Points

The presentation contains accurate and detailed information about the structure, function, and types of chlorophyll. Provides clear evidence.

Developing

2 Points

The presentation contains some inaccuracies or omissions in the information about chlorophyll. Provides limited evidence.

Beginning

1 Points

The presentation contains significant inaccuracies or is lacking in essential information about chlorophyll. Provides insufficient evidence.

Criterion 2

Clarity of Presentation

The clarity and effectiveness of the presentation in communicating the role of chlorophyll.

Exemplary

4 Points

The presentation is exceptionally clear, engaging, and effectively communicates the importance of chlorophyll in photosynthesis. Shows leadership in collaborative settings.

Proficient

3 Points

The presentation is clear, well-organized, and effectively communicates the importance of chlorophyll in photosynthesis. Contributes effectively to collaboration.

Developing

2 Points

The presentation is somewhat disorganized or unclear, and the importance of chlorophyll may not be fully conveyed. Participates in collaboration.

Beginning

1 Points

The presentation is disorganized, unclear, and fails to effectively communicate the importance of chlorophyll. Requires support in collaboration.

Category 4

Understanding of Photosynthesis's Impact

This category assesses the student's understanding of the broader impact of photosynthesis on the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems.

Criterion 1

Depth of Research

The depth and breadth of research demonstrated in the essay.

Exemplary

4 Points

The essay demonstrates extensive and insightful research, exploring the multifaceted impact of photosynthesis on the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding

Proficient

3 Points

The essay demonstrates thorough research, exploring the key impacts of photosynthesis on the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems. Demonstrates thorough understanding.

Developing

2 Points

The essay demonstrates some research, but may lack depth or breadth in exploring the impact of photosynthesis. Shows emerging understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

The essay demonstrates limited research and provides a superficial understanding of the impact of photosynthesis. Shows initial understanding.

Criterion 2

Synthesis of Information

The ability to synthesize research findings into a coherent and well-supported argument.

Exemplary

4 Points

The essay expertly synthesizes research findings to present a compelling and well-supported argument about the impact of photosynthesis. Applies concepts innovatively.

Proficient

3 Points

The essay effectively synthesizes research findings to present a clear and well-supported argument about the impact of photosynthesis. Applies concepts appropriately.

Developing

2 Points

The essay attempts to synthesize research findings, but the argument may be unclear or lack sufficient support. Shows emerging understanding.

Beginning

1 Points

The essay fails to effectively synthesize research findings or present a coherent argument. Struggles with concept application.

Category 5

Escape Room Design

This category assesses the student's ability to apply their knowledge of photosynthesis to design an engaging and educational escape room experience.

Criterion 1

Creativity and Engagement

The creativity and engagement of the escape room design, including the puzzles, clues, and narrative.

Exemplary

4 Points

The escape room design is exceptionally creative and engaging, with innovative puzzles, clever clues, and a compelling narrative that seamlessly integrates photosynthesis concepts. Shows exceptional critical thinking

Proficient

3 Points

The escape room design is creative and engaging, with well-designed puzzles, clear clues, and a coherent narrative that effectively incorporates photosynthesis concepts. Shows effective critical thinking

Developing

2 Points

The escape room design shows some creativity, but the puzzles may be simplistic, the clues unclear, or the narrative disjointed. Demonstrates basic critical thinking.

Beginning

1 Points

The escape room design lacks creativity and engagement, with poorly designed puzzles, confusing clues, and a weak or nonexistent narrative. Demonstrates minimal critical thinking.

Criterion 2

Accuracy of Photosynthesis Concepts

The accuracy with which the escape room design incorporates and reinforces photosynthesis concepts.

Exemplary

4 Points

The escape room design accurately and seamlessly incorporates photosynthesis concepts, providing a fun and educational experience. Produces outstanding quality work.

Proficient

3 Points

The escape room design accurately incorporates photosynthesis concepts. Produces quality work consistently.

Developing

2 Points

The escape room design contains some inaccuracies or misrepresentations of photosynthesis concepts. Produces work of varying quality.

Beginning

1 Points

The escape room design contains significant inaccuracies or fails to effectively incorporate photosynthesis concepts. Produces incomplete work.

Criterion 3

Blueprint Detail and Clarity

The level of detail and clarity in the escape room blueprint.

Exemplary

4 Points

The blueprint is exceptionally detailed and clear, providing a comprehensive overview of the escape room layout, puzzles, clues, and narrative flow. Exhibits advanced integration of skills

Proficient

3 Points

The blueprint is detailed and clear, providing a good overview of the escape room layout, puzzles, clues, and narrative flow. Integrates skills successfully

Developing

2 Points

The blueprint lacks detail or clarity in some areas, making it difficult to fully understand the escape room design. Shows partial skill integration

Beginning

1 Points

The blueprint is incomplete, disorganized, and lacks essential details about the escape room design. Shows limited skill integration

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

What was the most challenging aspect of designing the photosynthesis escape room, and how did you overcome it?

Text

Required

Question 2

How did your understanding of photosynthesis deepen through the process of designing the escape room? Provide specific examples.

Text

Required

Question 3

To what extent do you think your escape room effectively teaches others about photosynthesis?

Scale

Required

Question 4

If you could redesign one aspect of your escape room to better teach about photosynthesis, what would it be and why?

Text

Required

Question 5

Which of the following skills did you develop or improve the most while working on this project?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Creativity

Scientific Communication

Design Thinking