Chemosynthesis, Symbiosis, and Bioluminescence.
Students work through a sequence of guided tasks that include:
analyzing the physical and chemical conditions of hydrothermal vents
comparing photosynthesis and chemosynthesis by manipulating and interpreting equations
modeling the symbiotic relationship between tubeworms and chemosynthetic bacteria
explaining the biological role and chemical basis of bioluminescence
constructing and analyzing a vent ecosystem food web to trace energy flow
evaluating which extraterrestrial environments could support chemosynthetic life
Throughout the lesson, emphasis is placed on:
energy transformation
structure–function relationships
and evidence-based explanation of how organisms survive without sunlight
This lesson is designed to support:
understanding of chemosynthesis and alternative energy pathways
analysis of extreme ecosystems
integration of biology, chemistry, and Earth science
modeling of energy flow and ecological relationships
It functions well as:
a core ecology or energy flow lesson
a phenomena-based investigation
or an applied extension within an ecosystems or biochemistry unit
The digital format allows for low-prep implementation while maintaining conceptual depth and analytical rigor.
To preview this lesson, click here.
NGSS Alignment (High School):
HS-LS2-3, HS-LS2-5
NGSS Alignment (Middle School):
MS-LS2-3
MS-LS1-6
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs):
Developing and Using Models; Constructing Explanations; Analyzing and Interpreting Data; Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
Energy and Matter; Cause and Effect; Structure and Function; Stability and Change
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
RST.6-8.2, RST.9-10.2
RST.9-10.7, RST.11-12.7
WHST.9-10.2, WHST.11-12.2
Chemosynthesis, Symbiosis, and Bioluminescence.
Students work through a sequence of guided tasks that include:
analyzing the physical and chemical conditions of hydrothermal vents
comparing photosynthesis and chemosynthesis by manipulating and interpreting equations
modeling the symbiotic relationship between tubeworms and chemosynthetic bacteria
explaining the biological role and chemical basis of bioluminescence
constructing and analyzing a vent ecosystem food web to trace energy flow
evaluating which extraterrestrial environments could support chemosynthetic life
Throughout the lesson, emphasis is placed on:
energy transformation
structure–function relationships
and evidence-based explanation of how organisms survive without sunlight
This lesson is designed to support:
understanding of chemosynthesis and alternative energy pathways
analysis of extreme ecosystems
integration of biology, chemistry, and Earth science
modeling of energy flow and ecological relationships
It functions well as:
a core ecology or energy flow lesson
a phenomena-based investigation
or an applied extension within an ecosystems or biochemistry unit
The digital format allows for low-prep implementation while maintaining conceptual depth and analytical rigor.
To preview this lesson, click here.
NGSS Alignment (High School):
HS-LS2-3, HS-LS2-5
NGSS Alignment (Middle School):
MS-LS2-3
MS-LS1-6
Science & Engineering Practices (SEPs):
Developing and Using Models; Constructing Explanations; Analyzing and Interpreting Data; Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
Energy and Matter; Cause and Effect; Structure and Function; Stability and Change
Common Core (Literacy in Science):
RST.6-8.2, RST.9-10.2
RST.9-10.7, RST.11-12.7
WHST.9-10.2, WHST.11-12.2
