Spinach Leaf Photosynthesis Demonstration

Presented by: Melissa Drobish, Middle School Science Teacher

Instructions

1.  Fill the glass container and set it up under the light. (We will use it in step 6)

2.  Cut the spinach into small pieces (hole punch size is perfect).

3.  Add several bits of spinach to the syringe and fill it with water

4.  With one finger covering the hole, pull back on the syringe creating a change in pressure inside the syringe. You should see small bubbles forming on the spinach pieces. Lightly tap on the side of the syringe so the bubbles become unattached from the spinach.

5.  Repeat step 4 a few times, until the spinach sinks to the bottom of the syringe.

6.  Add the spinach from the syringe to the glass container under the light. (Make sure the spinach pieces sink to the bottom of the container. If not, repeat step 4 a few more times.)

7.  Observe the spinach for about 20 minutes. Over time, because of photosynthesis, the spinach pieces will fill with air, becoming less dense than the water, and begin to float.