Teaching fluorescence of plants & algae in physics class to address climate change

Abstract

Abstract In physics classes and general education classes, teaching the concept of fluorescence can be challenging, and it may seem too theoretical for some students. A short YouTube video titled ‘Seeing Photosynthesis from Space’ displays a global map of photosynthesis, and this is an excellent, attention-getting way to visually introduce fluorescence to students and also to address climate change. Therefore, three hands-on activities were designed using spinach chlorophyll ethanol extract and olive oil to observe the fluorescence emission; in addition, a smartphone spectrophotometer was employed to observe the spectrum of the emission. The class also addressed the issue of global warming because the absorption of CO2 by plants and algae is decreasing, which may cause serious climate change.