Featured Resource
Author
Josh
Subject
Science
Difficulty
7th Grade
Pull information from the Open Sci Ed program, Matter Cycling & Photosynthesis. Where does food come from and where does i t go next? How is food defined? Where does human food come from?
This lesson explores the scientific definition of food as stored chemical energy, focusing on the vital role of photosynthesis in food production on Earth. Students will learn how plants, through photosynthesis, convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (food) and oxygen, forming the base of the food chain. The lesson delves into the concept of matter cycling through ecosystems, emphasizing the functions of producers, consumers, and decomposers. Activities include identifying direct and indirect sources of food, tracing the path of matter from one organism to another, and understanding how nutrients are recycled in nature. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to define food scientifically, discuss the importance of photosynthesis, and explain the continuous cycle of matter in ecosystems.