After learning about the process and details of photosynthesis, students in AP Biology designed their own labs to measure the rate of photosynthesis. The Upper Schoolers used a simple method using leaf chads (small hole-punch sized circles) of spinach and other plants to see how quickly the chads rose due to the creation of oxygen during photosynthesis. As the rate of photosynthesis increased, the chads rose faster and the number of rising chads increased. The variables students chose to measure were light intensity, color, acidity/pH, and carbon dioxide. 

To conclude the lab, the students presented their lab results to the class, providing background, their group’s hypothesis, observations, CER (claim, evidence, and reasoning) discussion, revisions for future experiments, and references.