Educator Guide: Photosynthesis and Respiration and a Dune-Inspired Spacesuit

Science fiction sometimes inspires real-world innovation. Future spacesuits may filter urine into drinkable water, allowing astronauts to wear those suits for longer tasks. Learn how researchers propose to make fantasy a reality while answering questions about the filtration techniques and how spacesuits are needed to handle the constraints of space.

Students will review the components of respiration and photosynthesis reactions to illustrate how the two are complementary. Then students will investigate what impact megafire smoke may have had on photosynthesis for California nut trees. Then students will apply their knowledge by predicting the outcome for photosynthesis and respiration in several scenarios.