Life Cycle of a Tree: Photosynthesis

Illustrated description of photosynthesis (KS2) • Illustrated description of photosynthesis (KS3) • Worksheet assessing photosynthesis

This resource will help pupils to understand how trees convert energy from the sun by photosynthesis and to be able to identify the roles of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the process. Two versions of the information sheet are provided: one with just words describing the process and one that includes the chemicals.

Reference is also made to climate change.

Photosynthesis is an essential biological function that is the basis for most life on earth. Leaves of plants, such as trees, absorb carbon dioxide from the air and water from their roots, then use energy from light to create glucose (also known as carbohydrate). The glucose is food the plant manufactures for itself in order to survive.

This resource is the second in a series of five about the life cycle of a tree. The others are:
• Germination
• Reproduction
• The Wood Wide Web
• Structure of a Tree

These are available as a bundle.

Included is a worksheet to assess understanding.

The documents are in pdf format for ease of download.