Visit our Facebook page to see inside the classroom of Green Meadow 5th Grade Teacher Diane Cohen. On Friday afternoon, her students learned about photosynthesis and what plants need to grow through hands-on activities.

First, students worked in groups to cooperatively measure the length of bean roots and stems that have been growing in class. They discussed changes that have occurred and then recorded the data and observations. Students also added water to the baggies with the seeds by using spray bottles.

Following the group work, Mrs. Cohen led an interactive lesson on photosynthesis. Students gathered around her on the floor in the back of the classroom as she used a large flower made of colored construction paper and bouncy balls representing molecules to show the process of photosynthesis. Students were called on to show how the molecules enter the flower as water and carbon dioxide, how those molecules are converted to glucose as food for the plant, and oxygen is released into the air for other living things.

Inside the Classroom will be a regular feature on our website and Facebook page in which we highlight the learning that goes on in our classrooms.