Photosynthesis is a process that not only scientists should have a thorough understanding of, but all students, parents, and citizens alike because of it's importance to our existence. Photosynthesis produces food, building materials, energy, oxygen, medicine, and products used to create clothing. Although the process of photosynthesis described above sounds rather simple, it's really a complex scientific process. Photosynthesis is usually taught to students in upper elementary/middle school grades because of the higher level thinking associated with an in-depth study of botany. The problem with students studying photosynthesis so late in school is that many children have already developed misconceptions about plant growth. These misconceptions can stay with students forever if they aren't carefully identified and taught otherwise. If students learn the basic principle of photosynthesis at a young age, they can build upon this learned knowledge and expand their scientific thinking as they get older. Using formative and summative assessments to assess students understanding continually throughout the unit will produce data to drive instruction. The curricula can be altered to meet the learning demands of the students in areas in which they are excelling or need improvement.
