Leaf Etchings to Model Leaf Structure
Copyright 2014 (left) Berkshire Community College, Public Domain, Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/146824358@N03/36716447811; 2003 (right) Jon Sullivan, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_history_of_plants#/media/File:Leaf_1_web.jpg
In this design analysis activity, students create their own personal model of a leaf by etching a leaf onto a blank piece of paper. Using this model, they can explain and demonstrate the dynamic interaction that occurs between systems to ensure the carbon dioxide gas, water and visible light are delivered to every chloroplast within every cell for photosynthesis, as well as the systems needed to remove the oxygen gas and glucose.
Engineers need to create systems that seamlessly work together that will introduce new resources as needed and systems to remove the waste as quick as it is produced. For example, electrical and civil engineers are mindful of resources and waste when wiring a building with electricity or creating a water distribution system, respectively.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Model the activities found with a leaf focusing on the physical structures and their uses within a leaf that are present to deliver the reactants of photosynthesis.
- Explain and demonstrate the dynamic interaction between systems to ensure the carbon dioxide gas (CO2), water (H2O) and visible light are delivered to every chloroplast within every cell for photosynthesis, as well as the systems needed to remove the oxygen gas (O2) and glucose (C6H12O6).