Aug 11th, 2021 — Biology • Earth Science • Environmental Science

A Biology Teacher’s Take on Photosynthesis with the Wireless Carbon Dioxide Sensor

Spinach leaves and the Wireless CO2 Sensor have long been our secret recipe for getting students hands-on and excited about photosynthesis. In the lab, students use the Wireless CO2 Sensor to measure the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by spinach leaves as they photosynthesize within a closed sample container. We recently learned of a Biology teacher who’s improved the experiment by swapping spinach types and exchanging the sample container for a sealed bag. Here are her tips and tricks for how to maximize your data quality with the Wireless CO2 Sensor.

Tip 1: Swap the sample container for a quart or gallon-sized resealable bag. Not only is it easier to position the spinach leaves around the sensor, but it’s a tighter space, which makes my carbon dioxide data more consistent.

Tip 2: Use 2-3 fresh baby spinach leaves. Don’t ask me how or why, but I’ve found that fresh baby spinach leaves work better than regular spinach leaves in this experiment. Just be sure to cut any long stems before you put them in the bag!

Tip 3: Soak the leaves first. Spinach leaves are surprisingly finicky, so I usually soak them in water until students are ready to use them. I have my kids blot the leaves with a paper towel before putting them in the bag to keep the sensors protected.

 

Tip 4: Make sure the leaves aren’t placed upside down or overshadowed by the sensor. If they’re facing shade, then your data will be less consistent. Photosynthesis requires light; don’t let your students forget that mid-experiment…like I did one year.

Tip 5: Use LED or CFL (800-Lumen compact fluorescent) bulbs for best results. The older incandescent bulbs put out too much heat, which can impact the sensor’s readings. I like to make sure students have their lamps or LED flashlights (1,000-Lumen) right above the baggy.

If you're still not convinced, just take a look at these results! 

It's always a thrill for us to see teachers discovering new and improved methods for maximizing their PASCO solutions. A big thank you to the creator for allowing us to share her secrets with the PASCO community!

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