Performance Task Guide: Scientific
Investigation
Topic: Raw Materials Needed for Photosynthesis
Grade Level: 8
Duration: 15 Days
No. of Groups: 4
Performance Standard
By the end of the quarter, learners critically and creatively conduct a scientific investigation to
verify the raw materials needed for photosynthesis.
Learning Competency
Plan a scientific investigation to verify the raw materials needed for photosynthesis.
Learning Targets
a. I can identify the raw materials required for photosynthesis (carbon dioxide, water, and
sunlight).
b. I can design a step-by-step scientific investigation to test the presence or necessity of raw
materials for photosynthesis.
c. I can explain how the results of the investigation support the idea that certain raw materials are
essential for photosynthesis.
Activity Title
"Do Plants Need Sunlight and Water to Make Food?"
Overview
In this activity, you will grow plants under different conditions to determine which raw materials
are essential for photosynthesis. You will observe their growth and compare results after 15 days.
Plant Assignments per Group
Group Assigned Plant Reason for Choice
Group Munggo (Mung Sprouts in 1–2 days; thrives in heat; quick leafy growth.
1 Beans)
Group Pechay Germinates in 5–7 days; leafy; ideal for observation.
2
Group Mustasa (Mustard Sprouts in 3–5 days; fast leaf development; heat-tolerant.
3 Greens)
Group Kangkong (Water Quick sprouting; grows well in warm conditions; can
4 Spinach) grow in soil or water.
Goals
Observe plant growth under three different conditions:
1. With sunlight and water (Control)
2. With sunlight only (No water)
3. With water only (No sunlight)
Identify which conditions are necessary for photosynthesis.
Materials (per group)
3 empty, peeled 2-liter bottles (or recycled containers of similar size)
Scissors
Pitcher with water
A box or dark closet (to block sunlight for one container)
Pebbles and potting soil (enough to fill each container halfway)
3 seeds of your assigned plant
Ruler (for measuring plant height)
Marker for labeling bottles
Observation sheet (provided)
Procedures
1. Prepare containers – Cut the tops off the 2-liter bottles.
2. Add base layer – Place pebbles at the bottom for drainage; fill halfway with potting soil.
3. Plant seeds – Plant one seed in the center of each container.
4. Label containers – Write "Bottle 1 – Sunlight + Water", "Bottle 2 – Sunlight only",
"Bottle 3 – Water only".
5. Arrange as follows:
o Bottle #1 (Control): Place in sunlight and water regularly (enough to dampen the
soil).
o Bottle #2: Place in sunlight but do not water after planting.
o Bottle #3: Place in a dark area (closet or cover with box) but water when dry.
6. Observe regularly – Every 2–3 days, measure plant height, check color, and note overall
health.
7. Record data – Use the observation table to track growth.
8. After 15 days, compare results and draw conclusions.
Observation Table
Bottle # Condition Plant Height Color Health Other Notes
(cm)
1 Sunlight + Water (Control)
2 Sunlight only (No Water)
3 Water only (No Sunlight)
Conclusion
Write 3–5 sentences:
Which bottle grew best?
What does this tell you about the materials plants need for photosynthesis?
Process Questions
1. Which bottle showed the healthiest plant? Why?
2. What happened to the plant without water?
3. What happened to the plant without sunlight?
4. What does this prove about what plants need to make their own food?
5. Why are sunlight and water considered "raw materials" for photosynthesis?
Transfer Goal
Students will be able to plan and conduct a scientific investigation to verify the raw materials
needed for photosynthesis, and explain how this process helps maintain ecological balance and
address issues like climate change, deforestation, and food security.
Performance Task GRASPS
G – Goal: Conduct an experiment to show the materials needed for photosynthesis and relate it
to global issues.
R – Role: Young scientists educating others on plant importance.
A – Audience: Classmates, teachers, community.
S – Situation: Demonstrating plant importance during an environmental awareness campaign.
P – Product: Experiment results + poster/video/report.
S – Standards: Clear experiment, correct explanation, real-world connection, creative
presentation.
Rubric for Scientific Investigation
Criteria Excellent (25 Good (20– Developing (15–19 Needs Score
pts) 24 pts) pts) Improvement
(<15 pts)
1. Scientific Complete, Mostly Some Poorly planned /25
Investigation clear, logical complete; unclear/incomplete and unclear.
steps. minor steps.
errors.
2. Fully correct Mostly Partial Incorrect or /25
Understanding and clear correct; understanding. missing ideas.
of explanation. minor
Photosynthesis errors.
Materials
3. Real-World Strong, clear Good link Weak or unclear No meaningful /25
Connection link to real to one link. connection.
issues. issue.
4. Presentation Neat, Clear and Basic and less Messy and /25
& Creativity colorful, neat. engaging. unclear.
engaging.
Total Score:
____ / 100
