This lab was created to replace the popular waterweed simulator which no longer functions because it is flash-based. In this virtual photosynthesis lab, students can manipulate the light intensity, light color, and distance from the light source.
A plant is shown in a beaker and test tube which bubbles to indicate the rate of photosynthesis. Students can measure the rate over time. There is an included data table for students to type into the simulator, but I prefer to give them their own handout, where they can answer other questions and get further instructions on how to run the simulator. The document is made with google docs so that it can be shared with remote students.
There are several experiments that can be done in the lab that would complement this virtual experiment. For example, students can use elodea and measure the number of bubbles released when the plant is under a bright light. Algae beads can also be used to measure changes in pH as the plants consume carbon dioxide.
In experiment 2, students specifically look at light color to determine which wavelength of light increases the rate of photosynthesis. Students should discover that green light has a very slow rate. Their collected data is then compared to a graph of the absorption spectrum of light.
Tara Bullock
Anyone else getting an error message when trying to launch this simulation/lab?
Juno Farnsworth
Yes. It seems the simulator is no longer functional.
Admin
That is unfortunate, maybe the creators will fix it. So hard to find virtual labs these days that aren’t behind paywalls.
Dmitry Sadovnikov
Virtual lab still down with an error 🙁
Also an HTTPS certificate error
Admin
Unfortunately, that’s not my site, so I can’t fix it. Bummer.
isabelle
this still doesnt work noooooooooooooo
Admin
I just checked it today (starting photosynthesis this week) and it was working for me. Though, I wonder if it will on student chromebooks.
DeAnna Samburg
This is the old flash one!!! https://nt7-mhe-complex-assets.mheducation.com/nt7-mhe-complex-assets/Upload-20190715/InspireScience6-8CA/LS12/index.html
Admin
Oh that is fantastic! Thank you!
Christa Bowser
Simulator was up last week. I worked through it before I was going to use it in class today. I checked it today and it is now down again. Is this how this site is, up and down so often?
Admin
I don’t own the virtual simulator and I have noticed that it’s a little unreliable. My best guess is that it can’t handle high volumes and that slows down the page loading.
CReef
https://amrita.olabs.edu.in/olab/html5/?sub=BIO&cat=PHL&exp=To_show_experimentally_that_light_is_necessary_for_photosynthesis&tempId=olab_ot_rt&linktoken=4db2d56ea0507d2987bbc01859aa3920&elink_lan=en-IN&elink_title=Importance%20of%20Light%20in%20Photosynthesis#
I used the address below and Chrome blocked it saying it’s not secure, but if you click “proceed” it does open
Evie
It all depends on your web browser. For example I was using Microsoft Edge and it wouldn`t work but Google Chrome it worked just fine. Experiment with different browsers to see which one will work for you.