Inquiry-based science lab on photosynthesis

Design an inquiry-based lab for biology students. Phenomenon: Show students a video of spinach leaf disks floating in a bicarbonate solution under light. Driving Question: 'What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis in spinach leaves?' Student-led investigation: 1. Students brainstorm variables (light intensity, light color, CO2 concentration). 2. Groups design their own experiment to test one variable. 3. They write a procedure, identify controls, and predict outcomes. 4. Conduct experiment, collect data (e.g., time it takes for 50% of disks to float). 5. Analyze data, create graphs, and present findings to the class. Teacher acts as facilitator, providing materials and guiding questions.