Purpose of activity:  To learn and reinforce the chemical formula for photosynthesis:  6 CO + 12 H2O + light = glucose + 6 O + 6 H2O.

Description of activity:  Student each receive a game board with the formula on it, where each atom is represented by a circle.  Players spin for molecules, and place edible tokens (such as candies, raisins, nuts or cereal) that represent atoms onto the molecules on the game board.  Once they have collected the necessary molecules for photosynthesis (6 carbon dioxides, 12 waters, plus light), they quickly rearrange all the atoms and molecules to form glucose, 6 oxygens and 6 waters.

Target age group:  grades 4-8 (could also be used with ninth grade biology classes if they like to play games)

Time needed to play: one round of the game usually takes about 30 minutes.  If you are playing with a large school group, allow a full class period.

Materials needed: photocopies of the pattern pages (mostly on regular paper, except for spinner which needs card stock), spinner (requires glue and scissors and paper fastener, and cardboard if you want to make it sturdy) and lots of little edible tokens such as candies, raisins, nuts, pieces of breakfast cereal such as Cheerios, etc.  It doesn't matter what you choose as long as they are small and fit into the little squares on the playing board.