Revenge of the Synth Kit

Connect biological structures to the chemical processes of photosynthesis and uncover unusual organisms that photosynthesize. Revenge of the Synth can help any young biologist launch into the field of biochemistry.

This kit allows your student to dive into the diversity of organisms and the biochemical processes that occur within their tissues, discover organisms other than plants that can perform photosynthesis, and explore the importance of amino acids and enzymes.

Revenge of the Synth is a Launch level kit that includes a full-color Student Workbook and Teacher Guide, with step-by-step instruction for both hands-on and reading-based activities designed to engage students in genetics, unusual organism traits, and mutations. Both teacher and student will be able to open the box and star within minutes. 

As part of a special program from Home Science Tools, this Launch level kit will provide over 15 hours of engaging learning.

This kit discusses asexual and sexual reproduction in organisms, as well as techniques related to reproduction and organism traits.

In this kit, the student will engage in these hands-on learning experiences:

1. Observe organisms and categorize them as photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic.
2. Watch the diversity of microorganisms as they grow. 
3. Dive deep into the research of photosynthetic animals. 
4. Refresh your understanding of photosynthesis with a pop bead model. 
5. Explore chemical reactions that stem from photosynthesis.

Use “Revenge of the Synth” to answer questions such as:

• What is photosynthesis?
• How are amino acids formed?
• Are enzymes important in chemical reactions, and if so, why?
• Can an animal perform photosynthesis?
• Is there diversity in microorganisms?

Interested in learning more? Check out our Student Workbook Sample and Teacher Guide Sample!

More Information

• Safety Information (SDS)
• There is an error in the Teacher Guide schedule. Day 14 appears to be missing because the numbers jumped to Day 15 from Day 13. There is a total of 20 days for this kit schedule.
• On page 13 of the Student Workbook, lab step 2 indicates boiling water and agar. Only water needs to be boiled for the swabs to be dipped in. 
• On page 25 of the Student Workbook, the first Think About It box question 2 should be "How might you create a better model of photosynthesis?" as it is written in the Teacher Guide on page 10.
• Here is a colony morphology chart to help your student identify traits about the microorganisms they grew in Activity 3.
• 

This kit contains:

• 1 Agar
• 1 Beaker
• 1 Coffee Filter
• 1 Pair of Gloves
• 10 Glucose Test Strips
• 1 Isopropyl Alcohol
• 1 Lactose Tablet
• 1 Milk Powder
• 2 Cup
• 2 Petri Dishes
• 1 Poker Chip
• 6 Blue Pop Beads
• 12 Orange Pop Beads
• 19 Yellow Pop Beads
• 12 Purple Pop Beads
• 2 Swab Applicators

On hand, you will want to have:

• Measuring Spoons 
• Microwave
• Oven Mitts
• Scissors
• Spinach
• Spoon
• Water

Working with more than one student? Purchase additional student workbooks here.

• Learning outcome: Connect biological structures to the chemical processes of photosynthesis and uncover unusual organisms that photosynthesize.
• NGSS science standards alignment
• HS-LS1-5 Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy.
• HS-LS1-6 Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for how carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from sugar molecules may combine with other elements to form amino acids and/or other large carbon-based molecules.
• HS-LS2-4 Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem.
• HS-LS2-5 Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.