English National Curriculum - Science

Investigating the rate of photosynthesis

Mission Objectives

Describe a method to measure the effects of one limiting factor on the rate of photosynthesis

Identify independent, dependent and control variables in a practical investigation

Evaluate the reliability of results and suggest improvements to the method

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

rate

the amount of product formed per unit time; for example, the volume of oxygen produced per minute during photosynthesis

hypothesis

a testable prediction about what will happen in an experiment, based on scientific knowledge and observations

repeatability

the extent to which similar results are obtained when the same experiment is repeated using the same method and equipment

light intensity

the amount of light energy reaching a plant, which affects how fast photosynthesis can take place

reproducibility

the extent to which similar results are obtained when an experiment is repeated by different people or using different equipment or methods

This lesson has been written by

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience and a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven record of leading departments effectively, improving practice, and working collaboratively with stakeholders.

In her current work, Samantha embeds evidence-informed pedagogical principles such as retrieval practice, clear modelling, and effective sequencing to support high-quality curriculum design and professional development. She draws on assessment insight and common misconceptions to help teachers secure strong student understanding.

She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor at Ilkley Grammar School, with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and exam requirements.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

Required Resources

  • a beaker
  • filter funnel
  • a 1 cm3 or 10 cm3 measuring cylinder
  • freshly cut 10 cm piece of pondweed
  • a light source
  • a metre rule
  • a stopwatch
  • a beaker of water (heat shield)
  • handouts

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