Light as Energy: Photosynthesis

What does the fact that spinach fluoresces have to do with photosynthesis? This simple and visually dramatic demonstration we’ll extract chlorophyll from the leaves of spinach and see that it teaches us about how plants gather and store energy from sunlight.

Grade Range: 1 to 12+

Duration: 1/2 Hour – 1 Hour

Supplies:

  • 6-8 fresh spinach leaves
  • A red, green and violet laser like Laser Blox
  • Several table spoons
  • Ethanol
  • Mortar and pestle

NGSS Connections

PS4: Electromagnetic Radiation

  • Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials of the effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have when absorbed by matter (HS-PS4-4)

LS1: Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems

  • Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of mater and flow of energy into and out of organisms (MS-LS1-6)
  • Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy (HS-LS1-5)
Back to blog

Download this lesson and many others!

Includes NGSS Standards and Student Worksheets

Go to download page

Get safe laser pointers designed for this lesson

Our Laser Blox are designed for educational use at home and in the classroom. We test every batch to ensure total power is within safe limits and the magnetic housing keeps the laser pointing the right direction when used on a steel surface.

laser blox 3 pack red violet green reflection student teacher learning kit

Laser Classroom

Laser Blox Educational Laser Pointers

Color
Pack
View full details

Or choose from our individual laser pointers:

If you just need one laser pointer for this lesson, you can get it right here! All of our laser pointers are tested to ensure safe power levels that match their laser safety rating.

1 8

See other fun and educational experiments with light!

View all
1 3
View all