Why do soybean plants that are planted weeks apart in the spring mature simultaneously in the fall? Four independent activities cover the history of phytochrome research, scientist collaboration, the electromagnetic spectrum, and phytochrome predictions. 

Concepts

pigments, chlorophyll, photosynthesis, electromagnetic spectrum, light spectrum

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Connect using phytochrome to predict properties of pigments that haven't been discovered to anticipating the properties of elements that weren't yet discovered
• Hand to a substitute with no preparation needed

Classroom Considerations

• The resource would be best to use with a unit on plants
• The first in a set of six lessons

Pros

• The resource is designed as a ready-to-go lesson
• Answer key is provided

Cons

• Does not include any hands-on activities

Common Core

RST.9-10.2 RST.9-10.5 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.2 RST.11-12.5