OPTION 6: JOURNAL ENTRY
Student will create a journal with a series of entries as if they are a carbon atom.
KEY ELEMENTS TO INCLUDE
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
Oxygen
Water
Glucose
Carbon Dioxide
Roots
Stem
Sunlight/Energy
Release
Absorb
Leaves
Chlorophyll
Chloroplast
ATP
Product
Reactant
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS:
Must have a minimum of 7 entries
Each entry must be a minimum of 5 sentences
Written in first person (as the carbon molecule)
Must include all skey elements listed above
Must show understanding of how photosynthesis and cellular respiration are related
Please organize your journal entries neatly within a word processing document. Each entry should be clearly evident and easy to find.
EXAMPLE OF A BACTERIAL CELL DIARY:
(You would need to write as “A day in the life of a carbon atom”)
My dearest diary,
Today was the day of all days. I, being a lone bacterial cell, had many trials to endure. First I had to evade a viral invader. It was trying to hijack my genes for its own reproduction. To end the day, the environment around me became so inhabitable that I had to develop my endospore. I am now in bacterial quarantine until conditions improve.
Entry 1:
Dear Diary,
Today was an exciting day as I embarked on my journey as a carbon atom. It all began when I found myself in a leaf of a magnificent plant. As the sun's rays bathed the leaf, I could feel its warmth energizing me. I knew it was time for me to participate in a process called photosynthesis. With the help of chlorophyll, I absorbed the sunlight and joined forces with water and carbon dioxide to produce glucose. It was amazing to witness the transformation of sunlight and raw materials into a vital energy source for the plant.
Entry 2:
Dear Diary,
As a result of photosynthesis and the creation of glucose, the plant was able to produce oxygen. It made me feel so proud to be a part of this incredible process. The plant released this oxygen into the atmosphere, providing a life-giving element for all living organisms, including humans. It's awe-inspiring to think that I played a role in creating something so essential for life.
Entry 3:
Dear Diary,
Today, I found myself in a leaf once again, but this time, it was quite different. The plant was going through cellular respiration. In this process, the glucose I helped create during photosynthesis was broken down into carbon dioxide and water. Energy stored within the glucose molecules was released, allowing the plant to carry out its various cellular activities. It was fascinating to witness the interconnectedness of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, as they rely on each other for survival.
Entry 4:
Dear Diary,
During cellular respiration, I, along with the other carbon dioxide molecules, were released by the plant into the atmosphere. It felt exhilarating to be free, floating in the air, ready to be absorbed by another plant or utilized by an organism in need. It's amazing how the carbon cycle works, constantly moving and recycling carbon in various forms. It makes me appreciate the importance of my role as a carbon atom in the grand scheme of life.
Entry 5:
Dear Diary,
Today, I found myself getting absorbed by the roots of a towering tree. It was quite a journey, being transported up through the stem to reach the leaves once again. The intricate network of roots and stem amazed me as it allowed me to reach the very place where photosynthesis and respiration take place. I felt a sense of purpose, knowing that I was contributing to the survival and growth of the plant.
Entry 6:
Dear Diary,
As I basked in the sunlight once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of chlorophyll, the pigment that made photosynthesis possible. It captured the sunlight and facilitated the conversion of its energy into chemical energy stored within glucose molecules. I felt a sense of gratitude towards this magical pigment that allowed me to be a part of such a crucial process.
Entry 7:
Dear Diary,
Today, I witnessed an incredible process taking place within the chloroplasts of the leaf cells. The energy stored within glucose molecules was being harnessed to produce ATP, a high-energy molecule that powers various cellular activities. It was astonishing to see how my involvement in photosynthesis and cellular respiration ultimately led to the production of ATP, a vital fuel for the plant.
In conclusion, being a carbon atom in the world of plants has been an enlightening experience. I've witnessed the power of sunlight, the importance of water and air, and the transformation of raw materials into life-sustaining molecules. It's a reminder of how interconnected we all are in the grand cycle of life.