Photosynthesis & Ecosystem: Student Worksheet

Answer the following in your notebook. 

Part 1: Pre-Game Questions

1. What do plants need to grow? List at least three factors.
   
   
2. Why do some trees in a forest grow taller than others?
   
   
3. How does photosynthesis help trees survive?

Part 2: Gameplay Observations

1. Describe the strategy you used in the game to grow your trees.
   
   
2. How did other players' tree placement affect your ability to get sunlight?
   
   
3. What happened when a tree was in the shadow of another tree?
   

Part 3: Post-Game Analysis

1. How does the game Photosynthesis model real-world forest ecosystems?
   
   
2. What real-world factors (e.g., climate change, deforestation) might change the way trees grow in a forest?
   
   
3. How does the game illustrate energy flow in an ecosystem?
   

Part 4: STEM Career Connection

Many scientists and professionals study forests, plant growth, and ecosystems.

• Search the STEM Career Repository for different keywords to find an interesting career related to environments.
• Choose one career and describe how it might relate to the concepts in the game.