This kit, which is based on one formerly supplied by Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS), allows students to investigate photosynthesis using algae immobilised in calcium alginate.

ABOUT THIS KIT

Introductory school investigations of photosynthesis include the evolution of oxygen by Canadian pond weed (Elodea canadensis) or testing for starch in Pelargonium leaves that have been decolourised. Both methods are difficult to quantify, and the second method often misleads students.

In this procedure, algae, immobilised in calcium alginate, provide a standardised amount of photosynthetic material, enabling semi-quantitative experiments to be undertaken. The rate of carbon dioxide uptake by the immobilised cells is used to measure the rate of photosynthesis; this can be done simply by observing the colour change of hydrogencarbonate indicator, either by eye or using a colorimeter.

The effect of varying the intensity or wavelength of the light may be studied, as can the effect of temperature or cell density. Different species of algae or cyanobacteria may also be tested. The kit is therefore ideal for individual practical investigations.

This kit is based upon work undertaken by Debbie Eldridge from King Ecgbert School (Sheffield) while working on a SAPS/Robinson College Schoolteacher Fellowship.

KIT CONTENTS

The kit contains:

• Syringes, 15
• 7 mL Bijou bottles, 75
• Envelope with six filters (Red, green, blue, ND 0.15, ND 0.3 and ND 0.6)
• Hydrogencarbonate indicator, 250 mL of 10x concentrate
• Sodium alginate, 4 g
• Culture of Scenedesmus quadricauda, ~20 mL
• Enrichment medium, 3 g
• Students’ guides, 8
• Teacher’s guide

EACH STUDENT OR GROUP WILL ALSO NEED

• Lamp (small fluorescent strip lights or 18 W low-energy — 100 W equivalent — lamps give good results).
• 100 mL beakers or plastic cups, 2
• Tea strainer
• Glass or plastic stirring rod
• Permanent marker pen
• Ruler (e.g., 1 metre rule)
• Graph paper or suitable graphing software
• Calcium chloride solution, 1.5% (w/v) if using anhydrous CaCl₂; 2% (w/v) if using the dihydrate, CaCl₂.2H₂O, ~100 mL
• Distilled or deionised water, ~100 mL
• Colorimeter and cuvettes
  or
  Class set(s) of standard solutions, prepared as described on page 3 of the Teacher’s notes.

REPLACEMENT ITEMS

The following replacement parts are available for the NCBE-SAPS Photosynthesis Kit:

• Hydrogencarbonate indicator, 250 mL (10x) ..... £11.50 (GBP)
• Filters, 6 (as supplied in the kit) ..... £12.50 (GBP)
• Students’ guides (8) ..... £12.00* (GBP)

NCBE-SAPS PHOTOSYNTHESIS KIT

NCBE-SAPS Photosynthesis kit .....£65.00 (GBP)

ORDERING

All the prices on this page are in GBP and do not include Value Added Tax (VAT). This tax applies within the European Union only. Postage and handling must also be paid on orders from outside the United Kingdom. Details of how to order are given on the price list and on the Ordering web page.

Please note: For legal reasons, we cannot accept orders by eMail.

 

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DOWNLOADABLE PDF

NCBE Price list

Instructions

Teacher’s guide
Student’s guide
School Science Review paper

 

PRESENTATIONS

PowerPoint presentation
Keynote presentation