Research Question

Plant A and Plant B are placed in a room with direct sunlight however
Plant A is placed in an enclosed glass box. Will Plant A have the same
rate of photosynthesis as Plant B?

Hypothesis
We hypothesise that the rates of photosynthesis will differ. Plant A will
probably have the higher rate of photosynthesis as the glass box might
trap heat, allowing gas exchange to speed up. This might lead to an
increase in the rate of photosynthesis in Plant A.

Materials
1. Two identical plants – Same species, age and size. Ex. Lettuce.
2. 2 Pots of same soil – Pots are of equal size and capacity.
3. Enclosed Glass box – Should be transparent to allow sunlight to
pass through.
4. Ruler – To measure height of plant
5. Timer – To keep track of intervals of records
6. Environmental Monitoring Equipment – To record the factors
affected by the glass box.

Procedure
1. Take the plants and plant them in the pots.
2. Place both plants near the windowsill.
3. Enclose Plant A with the glass box.
4. Use the monitoring equipment to make sure that the environment
inside the box and outside a fairly similar.
5. Water the plants consistently twice a day.
6. Record the height of the plant after 3 weeks.

Results
Plants Height of Plant (cm)
Plant A 19 cm
Plant B 15 cm
Conclusion
Our results prove out hypothesis that the plant that was enclosed with
the glass box had a higher rate of photosynthesis as shown in the height.
The greater the photosynthesis, the greater the amount of respiration
and biomass produce so we think measuring the height is a suitable
measurement.

The glass box provided a greenhouse-like environment for Plant A. This

means that the carbon dioxide from the plant was mostly kept in the box
and not allowed to escape. This gas trapped heat from the sunlight,
increasing the temperature and the movement of the gases (like oxygen
and carbon dioxide) so the gases entered through the stomata more
quickly. Hence, with carbon dioxide entering at a higher speed there was
a higher rate of photosynthesis.