In this 4-session course, we'll learn about the fascinating physics and chemistry of plants! We'll explore the biological functions that allow plants to make their own food through photosynthesis, how plants communicate with each other using chemicals, and experiment with plant germination. Plus, we'll investigate the molecular basis of plant nutrition, and you'll learn how to make your own free & organic fertilizer using chemistry principles.

This course investigates the following topics:
Session 1: Photosynthesis
Did you know that photosynthesis is responsible for the oxygenation of the Earth's oceans and atmosphere? We'll explore the molecular equation for photosynthesis and how it works internally within plant chloroplast cells. We'll investigate how plants continually oxygenate our environment and study seasonal changes. We'll also learn how plants are inspiring new photovoltaic solar cell and photosynthesis research.

Session 2: Chemistry of Fertilizer using the N-P-K Formula 
It's easy to make your own free, organic fertilizer at home! We'll learn the chemistry of fertilizer design, using the N-P-K formula (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium), and discover how each of these atomic elements supports plant growth in specific ways. We'll also discuss the role of Nitrogen-fixing plants and the concept of green living fertilizers. By the end of this session, students will understand the fundamentals of fertilizer chemistry and have several recipes for easy-to-make homemade fertilizers that can be used to support the growth of house plants and the home garden. 

Session 3: Plant Sensing and Communication
Plant sensing and communication is a new area of scientific research. Plant biologists have discovered that plants and forests don't thrive in isolation, but instead work together as a plant community within a complex ecosystem, including communication systems. We'll explore new research into the ways plants sense their environment and communicate both above ground and underground through a wide variety of chemical signals. 

Session 4: Chemistry of Plant Germination 
Did you know some plants seeds can last for years, and even centuries? The process of plant germination triggers fundamental changes in plants seeds that leads to the growth of a whole new plant organism. We'll study the amazing chemical and biological processes of germination. Students will also learn how to germinate plants seeds, including a list of readily available sproutable seeds that will enable them to grow their own nutritious sprouts at home.