Photosynthesis in Space: Design a Closed-Loop Ecosystem
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design a sustainable closed-loop ecosystem that utilizes optimized photosynthesis to provide food, regulate air and water quality, and support human life on a space station?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does photosynthesis work in different conditions?
- What are the essential components of a closed-loop ecosystem?
- How can we optimize photosynthesis for food production in a space station?
- What role does light play in photosynthesis, and how can we provide it efficiently in space?
- How do plants help regulate air and water quality in a closed environment?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the process of photosynthesis and its requirements
- Design a closed-loop ecosystem for a space station
- Optimize photosynthetic efficiency in a space station environment
- Explain the role of plants in regulating air and water quality
- Apply scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems related to space exploration
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMartian Seedling Emergency Broadcast
Students receive a simulated emergency transmission from a research team on Mars. A key component of their life support system (a plant-based air purifier) is failing, and they need the students' help to redesign it for optimal photosynthetic efficiency under Martian conditions.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Photosynthesis 101: The Greenprint
Students will dive into the fundamentals of photosynthesis, exploring what it is, its inputs and outputs, and its importance for life on Earth and in space.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed diagram of photosynthesis with a written explanation of its importance.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Understand the process of photosynthesis and its requirements.Ecosystem Architect: Blueprinting a Closed-Loop
Students will investigate the components of a closed-loop ecosystem, understanding how matter cycles through the system and the critical role plants play in maintaining balance.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA model or detailed diagram of a closed-loop ecosystem, with explanations of each component's role and interactions.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Design a closed-loop ecosystem for a space station.Martian Greens: Optimizing Photosynthesis in Space
Students will explore the factors that affect photosynthesis (light intensity, CO2 concentration, temperature) and how these factors can be manipulated to optimize photosynthetic efficiency in a space station, particularly under Martian conditions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed experimental design and a proposal for optimizing photosynthesis in a space station environment, based on research and scientific principles.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Optimize photosynthetic efficiency in a space station environment.Air & Water Alchemists: Plants as Regulators
Students will investigate the role plants play in regulating air and water quality within a closed environment.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA report detailing the role of plants in regulating air and water quality, and their importance in maintaining a sustainable space station ecosystem.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Explain the role of plants in regulating air and water quality.The Space Gardener's Handbook: Solving Martian Problems
Students will synthesize their knowledge to create a comprehensive guide for managing a plant-based life support system on a space station, addressing the challenges presented in the initial emergency broadcast.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive "Space Gardener's Handbook" that provides practical guidance for managing a plant-based life support system on a space station, addressing the challenges of the Martian environment.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsLearning Goal: Apply scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems related to space exploration.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioPhotosynthesis in Space: Closed-Loop Ecosystem Design Rubric
Understanding Photosynthesis
Demonstrates understanding of the process of photosynthesis, including inputs, outputs, and its importance for life on Earth and in space.Accuracy of Diagram
The diagram accurately depicts the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis.
Exemplary
4 PointsDiagram is exceptionally detailed and accurate, clearly showing all inputs and outputs with precise labels and explanations. Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the process.
Proficient
3 PointsDiagram is accurate and clearly shows all major inputs and outputs of photosynthesis with appropriate labels.
Developing
2 PointsDiagram shows some understanding of photosynthesis but may be missing some inputs or outputs, or labels may be unclear.
Beginning
1 PointsDiagram is incomplete or inaccurate, showing little understanding of the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis.
Explanation of Importance
The written explanation clearly articulates the importance of photosynthesis for life on Earth and in space.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplanation is thorough, insightful, and clearly articulates the critical role of photosynthesis in sustaining life on Earth and enabling life in space. Demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the implications.
Proficient
3 PointsExplanation clearly articulates the importance of photosynthesis for life on Earth and its potential to support life in a space station.
Developing
2 PointsExplanation touches on the importance of photosynthesis but may lack detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanation is minimal or does not adequately explain the importance of photosynthesis.
Ecosystem Design
Demonstrates understanding of closed-loop ecosystem design and the interactions between components.Model/Diagram Completeness
The model or diagram includes all key components of a closed-loop ecosystem (producers, consumers, decomposers, abiotic factors).
Exemplary
4 PointsModel/diagram is exceptionally detailed and includes all key components of a closed-loop ecosystem with clear and accurate representations of their interactions. Shows innovative design elements.
Proficient
3 PointsModel/diagram includes all key components of a closed-loop ecosystem and accurately represents their interactions.
Developing
2 PointsModel/diagram is missing one or more key components of a closed-loop ecosystem or the interactions are not clearly represented.
Beginning
1 PointsModel/diagram is incomplete and shows little understanding of the components of a closed-loop ecosystem.
Explanation of Interactions
The explanation clearly describes how each component of the ecosystem interacts with the others to create a sustainable environment.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplanation provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the interactions between all ecosystem components, demonstrating a deep understanding of ecosystem dynamics and sustainability.
Proficient
3 PointsExplanation clearly describes how each component of the ecosystem interacts with the others to create a sustainable environment.
Developing
2 PointsExplanation describes some of the interactions between ecosystem components but lacks detail or clarity.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanation is minimal or does not adequately explain the interactions between ecosystem components.
Optimizing Photosynthesis
Applies research to propose specific adjustments to the space station environment to maximize photosynthetic efficiency.Experimental Design
The experimental design is well-defined, including a clear hypothesis, materials, and methods to test the effect of a factor on plant growth.
Exemplary
4 PointsExperimental design is exceptionally rigorous and innovative, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of experimental controls and data analysis. The hypothesis is clearly articulated and directly testable.
Proficient
3 PointsExperimental design is well-defined, including a clear hypothesis, materials, and methods to test the effect of a factor on plant growth.
Developing
2 PointsExperimental design is partially defined but may lack clarity in the hypothesis, materials, or methods.
Beginning
1 PointsExperimental design is poorly defined and lacks a clear hypothesis, materials, or methods.
Justification of Adjustments
The proposal for optimizing photosynthesis is based on sound scientific principles and research.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposal is exceptionally well-reasoned and justified, drawing on a comprehensive understanding of scientific principles and research to propose innovative and highly effective adjustments. Addresses potential limitations and alternative solutions.
Proficient
3 PointsProposal for optimizing photosynthesis is based on sound scientific principles and research.
Developing
2 PointsProposal for optimizing photosynthesis is partially based on scientific principles but may lack sufficient research or justification.
Beginning
1 PointsProposal for optimizing photosynthesis is not based on scientific principles or research.
Air & Water Regulation
Explains the role of plants in regulating air and water quality and its importance in maintaining a sustainable space station ecosystem.Explanation of CO2 and O2 Exchange
Accurately explains how plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis and its effect on air quality.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplanation is exceptionally clear, detailed, and insightful, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the mechanisms of gas exchange and their impact on air quality in a closed environment. Connects the process to broader ecological principles.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately explains how plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis and its effect on air quality.
Developing
2 PointsExplanation touches on the role of plants in CO2 and O2 exchange but may lack detail or accuracy.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanation is minimal or does not adequately explain the role of plants in CO2 and O2 exchange.
Explanation of Water Filtration
Accurately explains how plants filter water and how this process can be used to purify water in a closed-loop system.
Exemplary
4 PointsExplanation is exceptionally clear, detailed, and insightful, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the mechanisms of water filtration and their impact on water quality in a closed environment. Connects the process to broader ecological principles and potential innovations.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately explains how plants filter water and how this process can be used to purify water in a closed-loop system.
Developing
2 PointsExplanation touches on the role of plants in water filtration but may lack detail or accuracy.
Beginning
1 PointsExplanation is minimal or does not adequately explain the role of plants in water filtration.
Space Gardener's Handbook
Provides practical guidance for managing a plant-based life support system on a space station, addressing the challenges of the Martian environment.Completeness & Practicality
Handbook provides comprehensive and practical guidance for managing the life support system.
Exemplary
4 PointsHandbook is exceptionally comprehensive, practical, and user-friendly, providing detailed guidance on all aspects of managing the life support system. Anticipates potential challenges and offers innovative solutions tailored to the Martian environment. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs of space station residents.
Proficient
3 PointsHandbook provides comprehensive and practical guidance for managing the life support system.
Developing
2 PointsHandbook provides some guidance but may be missing key information or lack practicality.
Beginning
1 PointsHandbook is incomplete and provides little practical guidance for managing the life support system.
Addressing Martian Challenges
Handbook specifically addresses the challenges of the Martian environment (e.g., radiation, low temperatures, limited resources).
Exemplary
4 PointsHandbook demonstrates exceptional awareness of the specific challenges posed by the Martian environment and provides innovative and well-researched solutions to address them effectively. Considers trade-offs and offers alternative approaches.
Proficient
3 PointsHandbook specifically addresses the challenges of the Martian environment (e.g., radiation, low temperatures, limited resources).
Developing
2 PointsHandbook mentions some of the challenges of the Martian environment but does not provide specific solutions.
Beginning
1 PointsHandbook does not address the challenges of the Martian environment.