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Photosynthesis KS2

Teach your KS2 class about photosynthesis with this ready-to-teach lesson. In this lesson, children will find out how plants make their own food through the process of photosynthesis and investigate what plants need to grow and survive.

This photosynthesis KS2 Science lesson includes:

  • a detailed lesson plan with differentiated activities
  • a slideshow for the teaching input
  • a range of printable resources for independent learning activities

This lesson is part of a How Plants Grow scheme of work for Year 3.

Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Pack

£2.99

Scroll through the pictures for a preview of the lesson's resources:

Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Pack Slideshow Example 1
Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Pack Slideshow Example 2
Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Pack Slideshow Example 3
Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Pack Slideshow Example 4
Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Pack Slideshow Example 5
Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Pack activity worksheet
Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Pack activity worksheet
Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Plan
Photosynthesis KS2 Lesson Pack How Plants Grow Science

Photosynthesis: The Magic Behind How Plants Grow

Have you ever wondered how plants make their own food? It’s all thanks to a process called photosynthesis—nature’s way of turning sunlight into energy! Let’s dive into how this incredible process works, where it happens, and why it’s so important.

What Is Photosynthesis?

A simple explanation of photosynthesis is that it is the process that plants use to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide (from the air) into food in the form of sugar (glucose). They also release oxygen as a bonus—thanks, plants!

The word "photosynthesis" comes from Greek words: "photo" meaning light, and "synthesis" meaning putting together. So, it’s all about plants putting things together using sunlight!

Where Does Photosynthesis Happen?

Photosynthesis happens in the leaves of plants, inside tiny little structures called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts contain a special pigment called chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color and absorbs sunlight to power the process.

Simple Photosynthesis Diagram KS2

Simple Photosynthesis Diagram KS2

The Photosynthesis Formula

Even though the process sounds complicated, it can be summed up in this simple equation:

Sunlight + Water + Carbon Dioxide → Glucose (Sugar) + Oxygen

Plants take in water through their roots, carbon dioxide through tiny holes in their leaves, and use sunlight to fuel the whole thing. The result is food for the plant and oxygen for us!

Fun Facts About Photosynthesis

  • Plants make the air we breathe! Without photosynthesis, we wouldn’t have the oxygen we need to survive.
  • Who discovered photosynthesis? One of the first people to study photosynthesis was Jan Ingenhousz in the 18th century, who found that plants need sunlight to produce oxygen.
  • It’s not just plants! Algae and some bacteria also use photosynthesis to make their own food.
  • Rainforests = oxygen factories. Rainforests are responsible for producing about 20% of the world’s oxygen thanks to photosynthesis!

Why Is Photosynthesis Important?

Not only does photosynthesis provide plants with food, but it’s also the reason we have oxygen to breathe! It’s a vital part of the Earth’s ecosystem and helps keep our air clean. Plus, photosynthesis helps plants grow, and we need plants for food, medicine, and to provide habitats for other living organisms.

So, next time you see a tree or flower, remember—those plants are hard at work, making their own food and giving us oxygen!