Making a working model of photosynthesis can be difficult, so bear this in mind when undertaking the project - the end result is unlikely to be perfect. However, a model showing the fundamental process of photosynthesis can be produced to illustrate the most important aspects of the natural phenomenon. All you need to make this model is some sheets of paper and a pair of scissors. Follow the instructions below to construct your working model of photosynthesis:
• Firstly, cut out 36 paper rectangles measuring around two inches each. This paper should be red to represent oxygen molecules. Cut out 12 similar black rectangles for carbon atoms. Twenty-four white squares will be needed for all other atoms. Make four different sets of molecules in a row to show the six water molecules and six CO2 molecules joining to form glucose and oxygen; this will help you understand how the molecules change in the photosynthesis reaction.
• Create the first row using the six water molecules. Two hydrogen molecules should be joined to the top corners of a red oxygen molecule (use paper clips). Six such models should be made and labeled '6H2O'.
• Next, fold the six black carbon molecules and connect them to the center of the six oxygen molecules, to make six CO2 molecules. Label these molecules '6CO2'. Draw an arrow from these molecules to the other end of the paper.
• Write 'C6H12O6' at the end of this arrow, and then create your glucose molecule. Twelve hydrogen molecules should form a line, and to these molecules connect the carbon and oxygen molecules in the appropriate formation.
• Finally, add the six oxygen molecules to the glucose molecule, and you have completed your equation. This model shows you how the photosynthesis reaction works and how the equation illustrates this reaction.
• Firstly, cut out 36 paper rectangles measuring around two inches each. This paper should be red to represent oxygen molecules. Cut out 12 similar black rectangles for carbon atoms. Twenty-four white squares will be needed for all other atoms. Make four different sets of molecules in a row to show the six water molecules and six CO2 molecules joining to form glucose and oxygen; this will help you understand how the molecules change in the photosynthesis reaction.
• Create the first row using the six water molecules. Two hydrogen molecules should be joined to the top corners of a red oxygen molecule (use paper clips). Six such models should be made and labeled '6H2O'.
• Next, fold the six black carbon molecules and connect them to the center of the six oxygen molecules, to make six CO2 molecules. Label these molecules '6CO2'. Draw an arrow from these molecules to the other end of the paper.
• Write 'C6H12O6' at the end of this arrow, and then create your glucose molecule. Twelve hydrogen molecules should form a line, and to these molecules connect the carbon and oxygen molecules in the appropriate formation.
• Finally, add the six oxygen molecules to the glucose molecule, and you have completed your equation. This model shows you how the photosynthesis reaction works and how the equation illustrates this reaction.