Photosynthesis

Where can I find information about photosynthesis?

(Years 5-8)

Colour photo of a fern leaf growing towards the sun. In the background are tall trees with sunlight shining through. — Image: Plant growing towards the sun by Arthur Gamsa on Wikimedia Commons.

Entry last updated: 25/08/23

Introduction

Photosynthesis is a process where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food or energy. Look at the websites on this page to find out more.

General websites

Here are some websites that could help you understand and find out more about photosynthesis.

Ducksters

This resource is certified by COPPA. It is an easy to navigate website and is divided into categories.

Choose the Science tab.
Then select Biology.
Look for Plants heading and go to photosynthesis.
You can also read about chloroplasts to learn about the cells that are involved in photosynthesis.

National Geographic Education

This resources is suitable for Intermediate/Secondary school student. It has different types of information about photosynthesis.

In the search box, enter 'photosynthesis'.
Results will have articles, videos and more eg Definitions in the Field: Photosynthesis.
You could also try other keywords like 'chlorophyll'.

Crash Course Kids! | YouTube

This is an educational YouTube channel with short videos about lots of science topics.

Go to Playlists or look down the page to find the playlist Space Science: The Sun and Its Influence on Earth.
Watch the video Vegetation Transformation: Crash Course Kids #5.2 to find out about photosynthesis.

EPIC resources

EPIC is a collection of reliable databases that's been put together for New Zealand school students. It covers different topics to help students get their answers.

Tips: To access the EPIC resources you will need a password from your school librarian or you can chat with one of our AnyQuestions librarians between 1 and 6pm Monday to Friday and they will help you online. Some EPIC databases may also be available through your public library.

Britannica School

This is one of the EPIC resources. It covers lots of different topics including photosynthesis. Britannica School has three levels, you can always move up or down a level if needed.

Choose Primary for an easy-to-read summary, or Middle for more detail.
Use the search bar to enter 'photosynthesis'.
Choose the photosynthesis (biology) article.
Try other words like 'chlorophyll' to find out more.

Tips: You can look at the videos & images to find out more about photosynthesis.

Elementary (Gale In Context)

This is another EPIC resource. Results are grouped in different categories such as topics, books, news, pictures and videos.

Choose the Browse Topics tab from the main page.
Look down the page for Photosynthesis.
You can Keep reading a good summary at the top of the page.
Or look down the page for pictures and videos.
Try searching for keywords like 'chloroplast'.

Tips: If you lookdown the page, you may find there are pictures or videos related to the topic attached. Otherwise, you can search from the pictures and videos tab on the main page and search for 'photosynthesis'.