Topic: Photosynthesis
Model Description: I created a simple hand-drawn model of photosynthesis, which represents the process that occurs in plants. At the center of the drawing is a green leaf, symbolizing where photosynthesis takes place. Surrounding the leaf are arrows pointing toward it labeled with the inputs of the process: sunlight, carbon dioxide (from the air), and water (from the soil). The outputs, glucose and oxygen, are represented by arrows pointing away from the leaf. I used bright colors to illustrate how sunlight energizes the process, while the molecules are depicted as circles to visualize their flow into and out of the leaf.
Discussion: Photosynthesis is a vital process that allows plants to convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen as end products. In my model, the central leaf is a reminder that green plants, specifically chloroplasts within their cells, harness sunlight to initiate this remarkable transformation. Carbon dioxide enters the leaf through tiny openings called stomata, while water molecules are absorbed through the roots. During the process, sunlight excites chlorophyll, enabling the synthesis of glucose from these inputs. The oxygen produced is released into the atmosphere, providing the essential gas that many organisms, including humans, rely on for respiration. This model illustrates not only the transformative journey of energy but also the interdependence of life forms on Earth, highlighting the crucial role photosynthesis plays in sustaining ecosystems.