Suggested Time:
1 1/2 to 2 hours class time. The "Assignment" is planned as homework.

Lesson:

Note the "Quia activities" area. of this site. It is here that key vocabulary words will be identified. You can use these games to help learn them.

Part 1: You should research photosynthesis on the Internet using the links below (note they are “hot links” in the “Useful Links” section of this page)

1. Photosynsthesis Explained
2. Arizona State University: What is Photosynthesis?
3. PBS: Illuminating Photosynthesis
4. The Photosynthesis Process
5. Why Leaves Change Color

At the Photosynthesis Explained site: Read at least the following selections from the table of contents:

1. “What is Photosynthesis?”;
2. "Leaves and Leaf Structure";
3. "Chlorophyll and Accessory Pigments”
4. The “Terms” Selection provides many more key vocabulary words

At the Arizona State University: What is Photosynthesis? site: Select the 1st link and read at least the section called “The Basics” than the 3rd link “Why Do Leaves Turn Color in Fall” will answer that question.

At the PBS: Illuminating Photosynthesis site read the brief introduction and run the Flash program “Illuminating Photosynthesis”.

At the Why Leaves Change Color site is again the answer to the question if you were not yet clear. Skip this if you do have a clear understanding.

Answer these questions about the information on these Web sites. (In your notebooks or sheet provided)

1. What is the sun's role in photosynthesis?
2. How do plants absorb carbon dioxide?
3. What is chlorophyll, and what does it do?
4. How is glucose created?
5. Why do plants release oxygen?
6. Why are plants green?
7. An average tree can produce enough oxygen to keep how many people alive?
8. If we prevented a tree from getting oxygen could it still stay alive? Why or Why not?
9. Why do leaves change color?

Part 2:
Many people besides Johnny Appleseed plant trees…all kinds of trees wherever they are able. Do you know of anyone or group that is involved in a tree planting program? Do you know what program? If so write this in your notes under Part 2:

In this section you will go to the following Web sites.(These too are in the Links section for easy access)

1. American Forests
2. The U.S. A. Enviromental Protection Agency site
3. What is the Greenhouse Effect?

At the “American Forests" site: Select the "Resources " link from the menu across the top. Read the introduction page and select the 2nd link on the left titled: " Trees and Ecosystem Services" to learn about what effect trees have on our environment.

At the "The U.S. A. Enviromental Protection Agency" site explore the 9 links on the right beginning with "Global Warming (What is it)". As you view this site, find the several "animation" links for both fun and help in understanding. Need a break? Check out the games area.

At “What is the Greenhouse Effect?” You should go down the page to the Table of Contents and read those sections that will help you further understand

Answer these questions about the information on these Web sites. (In your notebooks or sheet provided)

1. Why do we need to be concerned about the greenhouse effect?
2. How are human activities contributing to the greenhouse effect?
3. How might tree-planting programs help keep the greenhouse effect from becoming more of a problem?
4. What other benefits might tree-planting programs have?
5. One quote from the American Forests' Global ReLeaf Web site is that "these trees help clean the air and water, filter polluted runoff, slow global warming and erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife." Rewrite or add to this sentence using the word "photosynthesis" and at least one other vocabulary word from the Web sites you have explored.

Assignment:

Imagine this scenario:
It's a hot day, and you're hanging out at a park in your neighborhood. You notice a group of kids who are a little younger than you. They were playing soccer but now are trying to get cool in the shade of a tree. They tell you that they are glad there is a tree here because it is pretty and provide shade on a hot day like this.
You know that they're right, but you also know there's more to it than that. What would you tell them about the other benefits of trees that you've learned about?
Write what you would tell these kids. Write at least two pages which should include:

1. at least eight vocabulary words;
2. an explanation of how more trees could play a role in helping to alleviate the global warming problem;
3. an explanation of other benefits of trees;
4. at least one example from the American Forests tree planting campaign to explain why a local tree planting initiative might be a good idea.