Performance Task: Scientific
Investigation on Photosynthesis
Title:
“Do Plants Really Need All These?” – A Scientific Investigation to Verify the Raw Materials
Needed for Photosynthesis
Learning Competency:
Conduct a scientific investigation to verify the raw materials needed for photosynthesis.
Big Idea:
Plants need light, carbon dioxide, and water to make their own food through the process of
photosynthesis. This investigation allows students to test which raw materials are
necessary by conducting a simple experiment.
Task Description:
You will work in groups to conduct a hands-on scientific investigation. Each group will
design and carry out an experiment to verify the importance of a specific raw material for
photosynthesis. The experiment will involve controlling or removing one factor (light, CO₂,
or water) while keeping others constant. Afterward, you will record, analyze, and report
your results to determine which raw materials are truly necessary for photosynthesis to
occur.
Materials:
• Healthy potted plant
• Aluminum foil
• Vaseline or petroleum jelly
• Clear plastic bags
• Dropper
• Scissors
• Iodine solution (optional)
• Hot water and alcohol (for iodine test; teacher-assisted)
• Water spray bottle
• Notebook
• Labels or tape
• Sunlight or artificial light source
Group Investigation Setup:
Group Experimental Condition Variable Removed
A Cover 1 or more leaves with No light
aluminum foil
B Seal 1 or more leaves with No CO₂
Vaseline on both sides
C Do not water the plant for No water
several days
D Leave the plant in normal Control (all raw materials
conditions available)
Step-by-Step Procedure:
1. Set Up Experiment: Label the experimental leaves and take a “before” photo or draw the
leaf.
2. Expose Plants to Sunlight: Place all plants in a sunny location for 2–3 days.
3. Make Daily Observations: Record changes in leaf color and texture.
4. (Optional) Perform Iodine Test for Starch: Follow safety steps to test for starch.
5. Analyze Results: Compare all results with the control group.
Science Report Format:
I. Title Page
II. Problem Statement
III. Hypothesis
IV. Materials
V. Procedure
VI. Data and Observations
VII. Results and Analysis
VIII. Conclusion
Group Presentation:
Each group will present their findings using visual aids (posters, diagrams, photos, or
charts). Each member must explain one part.
Rubric for Assessment:
Criteria (Rated 1 to 4):
• Problem and Hypothesis Clearly Stated
• Procedure and Setup Accuracy
• Quality of Observations/Data
• Depth of Analysis and Interpretation
• Clarity of Conclusion
• Group Collaboration
• Presentation Skills and Creativity
Reflection Questions (Individual Homework):
1. What did your group discover about the role of the raw material you tested?
2. How does this experiment help you understand how plants make food?
3. If you were to repeat the experiment, what would you do differently?
4. Why is it important for students to investigate scientific concepts themselves?