Brian Cox school resources: Do sun and shade plants have different rates of photosynthesis?

Series 2 of the Brian Cox School Experiments are designed for students aged 11 to 14. They cover important topics and introduce teachers to a practical experiment, the commercial application of the technology featured, and the latest research being undertaken by scientists in that area. Each resource comprises three videos and a downloadable experiment that links directly to curriculum topics and is simple to carry out. Whether used in science classes, form rooms or careers sessions, these are an excellent resource to excite and engage young people with cutting-edge, real-world science.

In this experiment Professor Brian Cox joins a teacher to find out how some plants have naturally adapted for survival with the ability to photosynthesise when light levels are low.

The video resources enable students to hear about Dr Ingo Hein at the James Hutton Institute to learn about research being undertaken into naturally disease-resistant potato crops and the potential commercial applications of this science.

They can also hear about Dr Philippa Borrill at the John Innes Centre, who leads a research group aiming to understand and improve the nutritional value of wheat grain.