Sunlight Storage Lab Journal

Case Study: The Massive Willow Tree

NAME:

DATE:

Part 1: The Willow Tree Mystery

In the 1600s, scientist Jan Baptista van Helmont planted a 5lb willow tree in 200lbs of dry soil. For five years, he gave it only water. After 5 years:

Tree Weight

169 lbs (+164 lbs)

Soil Weight

199.8 lbs (-0.2 lbs)

1. Van Helmont concluded the extra 164 lbs of wood came from the water. Based on what you know about photosynthesis, why was he only partially right?

Part 2: Energy Process Mapping

Complete the chemical equation below and label the energy flow.

6 CO₂ Carbon Dioxide

+

6 Molecules of H₂O

C₆H₁₂O₆ Glucose

+

Oxygen

2. Define "Endothermic" in your own words. Why is photosynthesis considered one?

3. Where specifically in the plant cell is the energy from the sun captured?

Part 3: The Big Picture

4. Predict: If we put a plant in a room with green light only, what would happen? Why?

"Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed."

How does photosynthesis prove this law?

Sunlight Storage

Sunlight Storage Slides

Sun Eater Worksheet

Sunlight Storage Teacher Guide