A Classroom Simulation Activity to Visualize Energy and Matter Transformation in Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

Abstract

Undergraduate introductory biology students at the university level often struggle to trace movement of matter and energy through catabolic and anabolic processes in biological systems. A sequential guided simulation of cellular respiration and photosynthesis provides students an opportunity to actively model and visualize matter transformation and energy accumulation and degradation through the movement of molecular and energy “game pieces.” The activity was designed to help students generate a simplified outline of these two highly complex processes, while reinforcing the principles of conservation of matter and energy. My students participated in this activity during peer-led review sessions in an undergraduate, introductory, majors biology course (ca.150 students in 18 SI sessions over two semesters), but instructors could also easily adapt it for use in small lecture or laboratory classrooms, introductory cell biology, physiology, and ecology courses, or with high school students.

Gaming for the Education of Biology in High Schools

“…Another alternative teaching approach that involves teaching through games and "gamifying" lessons is simulations. For instance, there is a simulation for respiration and photosynthesis presented in the American Biology Teacher magazine [58], where students, in groups, use plasticised cards and stickers to represent the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Another simulation is "Finding Garrett" [59], where students are required to develop a new communication system in groups with the aim of highlighting convergent and divergent evolution.…”

Role-Playing Activity to Demonstrate the Electron Transport Chain

“…Cellular respiration can be a difficult concept for introductory biology students to understand (Rice, 2013). While all of the stages of cellular respiration can be complicated for students (Svec, 2017), how the electron transport chain (ETC) generates ATP can be the most challenging to visualize (Romero & Choun, 2014). Role-playing activities are a simple, cost-effective method for students to actively learn and understand complex biological processes (Elliott, 2010;Harrison, 2018) while developing cooperative social skills (Chinnici et al, 2009).…”