Computers 4 Kids © Photosynthesis

ade -
Integrated ICT Learning Unit
Volume 4
4.2 Photosynthesis
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Computers 4 Kids © Life and Living - Plants
Overview

This integrated ICT learning unit consists of one activity which explores the concept of photosynthesis.

Lesson format:
10 minutes Educational game (optional; at the discretion of the teacher)
5 minutes “Tech Talk” which introduces ICT terminology
5 minutes Touch Typing skills which develops essential touch typing techniques
20 minutes+ Integrated activity involving tasks which relate to relevant content being covered in
the classroom

ICT applications used in this Learning Unit:

Simulations &
Spreadsheets

Presentations

Programming
Information
Web design
Processing

Databases

Publishing
Operating
Organiser
Graphics

Systems
Drawing

Desktop
Internet

& logic
design
E-mail
Word

  

Structure of the Learning Unit:

Integrated Activity
This lesson is aimed at integrating ICT into current, relevant class curriculum. Using this approach
enables learners to use the computer not only as a working tool but also as a relevant learning tool to
learn new concepts and skills or consolidate previously learnt work. This activity will take between 20 –
60 minutes (or 1-3 lessons) to complete depending on the ability of the learners and the time available.

E-Learner Assessment
The required assessment for each unit is completed by the ICT teacher by means of evaluating each skill
on the skills matrix. The ICT teacher can indicate on the skills matrix whether the skill is being practised
or developed by inserting a tick in the appropriate column next to the appropriate skills. Should the
teacher wish to formally assess the skills, the relevant achievement level can be indicated in the assess
column next to each skill assessed. The corresponding e-Learner skills should also be marked off when
completed. The e-Learner skills can also be formally assessed by subscribing to the relevant online e-
Learner assessment for which an ECDL endorsed certificate will be issued upon successful completion of
the course. By utilising these assessment tools, the level of ICT competency as well as the progress of
each learner can be monitored. The assessment matrix, as contained in this lesson instruction book,
may be printed or photocopied for each learner.
Computers 4 Kids © Photosynthesis

ICT INTEGRATION ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

Information
Natural Sciences And English
and Technology Communication Language
Technology

The European Computer Driving Licence Foundation Ltd Trade Marks and logos are registered in Ireland and
other countries. This programme has been developed by Computers 4 Kids and has been endorsed by the ECDL
Foundation. ECDL Foundation Endorsement signifies that in its opinion the general principles of good programme
design and operation have been used by the developer. Unauthorised use of the Endorsed Product Mark is
prohibited. All Rights Reserved.
Computers 4 Kids © Photosynthesis

STRUCTURE OF LESSON
4.2 PHOTOSYNTHESIS

INTEGRATED LESSON
Prior Learning Requirements
Concept / Topic:
Basic understanding of photosynthesis
ICT Skills:
Basic knowledge of Tux Paint tools
Educational Game 10 Min
A suitable educational game may be used as an optional
activity at any point during the course of the lesson at the
discretion of the ICT or class teacher
Touch Typing 5 Min
A suitable activity should be selected by the ICT or class
teacher to ensure continuity and progression of
appropriate skills
Tech Talk 5 Min
FYI
For Your Information – used as an abbreviation when
sending e-mail Do you know of any other IT
abbreviations?
Integrated Activity 20 Min
Learners research the process of photosynthesis on the
Internet and create a drawing of the process using
drawing tools
Resources Used
Software: Internet Explorer; Tux Paint
Prerequisite: Website Links in Vol4 Folder
Template: None
WWW: Various
Subjects
 Natural Sciences and Technology
 English Language
Additional Learning Opportunities
Concept / Topic:
3.11 Plant Parts
ICT Skills:
4.19 Draw a Design
Beyond the ICT Centre
 Create a vegetable or flower garden in your school
 Visit a local botanical garden and identify indigenous
plants
 Create works of art from melons, squash and other
vegetables
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Learner name: Class

Integrated Activity: Learners research the process of photosynthesis on the Internet
and create a drawing of the process using drawing tools
Theme/Topic: Photosynthesis Integrated Activity
Subjects Practice Assess
Natural Sciences and Technology
Interpret and apply environmental knowledge
Comment:
English Language
Explores topic using mind maps
Summarises information in the form of a diagram
Comment:
Concepts and Skills
Photosynthesis
Adaptation
Locate, access and select relevant information
Summarising
7 = Outstanding Achievement 6 = Meritorious Achievement

5 = Substantial Achievement 4 = Adequate Achievement

3 = Moderate Achievement 2 = Elementary Achievement 1 = Not Achieved

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Computers 4 Kids © Photosynthesis

Learner name: Class

Integrated Activity: Learners research the process of photosynthesis on the Internet
and create a drawing of the process using drawing tools
Theme/Topic: Photosynthesis Integrated Activity
e-Learner Skills Practice Assess

Unit 2 - Files and Folders

2.2.1 Right / Left click mouse

2.2.2 Single / Double click mouse

2.3.1 Alpha / numeric keys on keyboard

2.4 Recognising icons

2.5.1 Open / Exit programmes Using Shortcuts

2.5.2 Open / Exit programmes Using Start Menu

2.6.2 Close window
2.7.5 Saving Files
2.7.6 Closing Files
7 = Outstanding Achievement 6 = Meritorious Achievement

5 = Substantial Achievement 4 = Adequate Achievement

3 = Moderate Achievement 2 = Elementary Achievement 1 = Not Achieved

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Learner name: Class

Integrated Activity: Learners research the process of photosynthesis on the Internet
and create a drawing of the process using drawing tools
Theme/Topic: Photosynthesis Integrated Activity
e-Learner Skills Practice Assess
Unit 3 - Drawing

3.1 Open programme

3.2 New picture (blank canvas)
3.4.1 Use Paintbrush
3.4.2 Use Stamps
3.4.3 Use Lines
3.4.4 Use Shapes
3.4.5 Use Colour palette
3.4.6 Use Mirror / flip
3.4.7 Use Grow / shrink
3.4.8 Use Special effects
3.4.9 Use Fill
3.4.10 Use Eraser
3.4.11 Use Undo / redo
3.5.1 Text Font face
3.5.2 Text Font colour
3.6 Save
3.7 Print
3.8 Exit
7 = Outstanding Achievement 6 = Meritorious Achievement

5 = Substantial Achievement 4 = Adequate Achievement

3 = Moderate Achievement 2 = Elementary Achievement 1 = Not Achieved

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Computers 4 Kids © Photosynthesis

Integrated Activity
Photosynthesis
(Internet Explorer; Tux Paint)

EDUCATIONAL GAME: (10 minutes)

A suitable educational game may be used as an optional activity at any
point during the course of the lesson at the discretion of the ICT or
class teacher

TOUCH TYPING (5 minutes)

Check that all Learners:
1. Ensure that their hands and wrists are not resting on any surface
whilst typing.
2. Are applying the correct fingers to the appropriate keys whilst doing
the typing tutor lesson

TECH TALK: (5 minutes)

FYI
For Your Information – used as an abbreviation when sending e-mail
Do you know of any other IT abbreviations?
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INTEGRATED ACTIVITY

In order to promote relevant discussion, the following questions are posed by the
educator to the learners:
- Are plants important?
- What do they need to survive?
- How do they grow?
A short discussion takes place about the value of plants in our environment and
plants requirements in order to survive and grow.

Explain to the learners that today we are going to learn how plants manufacture
their food through a process called Photosynthesis and in so doing, are in fact the
oxygen producing factories of our planet. It might be a good idea at this point to
brainstorm with the learners what it is that all plants require for their survival.

Task: Research the process of how a plant produces its own food on the
Internet. Draw a clearly labelled picture in Paint using the various graphic
tools, which illustrates the process.

1. Access your web browsing programme by double clicking on the

icon on the desktop.
2. Access the Photosynthesis website by double clicking on the
link in the “4.2 Photosynthesis” folder in the Volume 4 Website Links
folder.
3. Carefully read the information on Photosynthesis and pick out only that
which you think is important and write it in your own words on a scrap
piece of paper.
4. Close the browser window by clicking on File  Close
5. Open Tux Paint by double clicking on the Tux Paint icon on the
desktop or clicking on the Main Menu  Education  Tux Paint
6. Start with a new page by clicking on the new icon on the left toolbar.
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7. To start drawing, click on the Paintbrush icon (left

toolbar) and choose a brush type (right toolbar).
8. Select a colour by clicking on the desired colour in the colour palette at
the bottom of the
screen.
9. Your cursor will change into a brush shape. Click and hold the left mouse
button down paint with the paintbrush. To finish drawing, release the left
mouse button.

10. The fill icon (left toolbar) is used to “colour in” closed shapes.
Click on Magic icon and then select the Fill icon. Be very
careful when using this tool – make sure that you are “inside
the lines” of the part you wish to colour in.
11. If you make a mistake you can use the Undo icon on the left toolbar to

undo your last action (or use CTRL-Z).

12. You can also rub out mistakes with the eraser on the left toolbar. You
can choose the size of the eraser from the options on the right toolbar.
Click and hold the left mouse button down to drag the
eraser over your picture and erase mistakes.
13. You can also make use of the various shapes and
lines.
14. To draw a variety of shapes, click on the shapes icon (left
toolbar) and choose a shape (right toolbar).
15. If you select the outlined shape you will draw a shape
outlined in your selected colour with no fill. Selecting the black shape
will draw a shape filled with your selected colour.
16. Select a colour for your shape by clicking on the desired colour in the
colour palette at the bottom of the screen.
17. To draw your shape, move your cursor to the place on your screen
where you want to draw your shape. Your cursor will change to a cross
shape.
18. Click and hold the left mouse button down to begin drawing your shape.
Drag the shape to the desired size.
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Computers 4 Kids © Photosynthesis

19. Release the left mouse button when your shape is the required size. If you
chose to draw a shape which can be rotated, your cursor will now change
into a round arrow.
20. Move your mouse to rotate the shape to the desired angle. Click once more
to place your shape onto the screen.
21. The line icon (left toolbar) will draw a straight line. Choose a variety of
thick, thin and angled lines from the toolbar on the right. You can use the
lines to draw arrows to your picture.
22. To add labels to your picture, you will need to
use the text tool (ABC icon).
23. Use the following words to label your picture:

 Nutrients
 Water
 Soil
 Sunlight
 Chlorophyll
 Photosynthesis
 Carbon Dioxide
 Oxygen
24. Click on the ABC icon on the left toolbar. Select
a style of lettering from the toolbar on the right.
25. Choose a colour for the text from the colour palette at the
bottom of the screen. Choose a colour for your writing which
will show up nicely on your picture.
26. Click on the screen where you wish to place your text.
27. Type in your text. Press Enter when you have finished typing.
28. To save your picture, click on the save icon (left toolbar).
29. You will see a confirmation message at the bottom of the screen
confirming that your image has been
successfully saved.
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30. To print your picture  click on the print icon on the left toolbar.

31. Exit by clicking on the Quit icon. A window will pop up

confirming that you wish to quit the programme 
Yes