Yes. You can teach photosynthesis through an online game — for free. On Legends of Learning, Masterplant (~25 min, 4.7 ⭐ from 77 teacher reviews, grades 3–5) helps students learn what plants need to grow (water, sunlight, nutrients), and Plantipot Photosynthesis (~10 min, 4.6 ⭐, grades 6–8) takes students inside a chloroplast to see photosynthesis in action (NGSS MS-LS1.C-1). Teachers assign in a few clicks; students play in the browser.
Best online games to teach photosynthesis
| Grade band | Game | Playtime | Teacher rating | Standard | What students practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 3–5 (intro) | Happy Sun Farm | 15 min | 4.4 ⭐ (12) | NGSS ES-PS3.B-2 | Light energy & how plants use sunlight |
| Grades 3–5 (plant needs) | Battle Garden | 13 min | 4.3 ⭐ (32) | NGSS ES-LS1.A-1a | Nutrients, water, sun for plant survival |
| Grades 3–5 (deeper) | Masterplant | 25 min | 4.7 ⭐ (77) | NGSS ES-LS1.A-1a | Plant structure, growth, care over time |
| Grades 6–8 (photosynthesis process) | Plantipot Photosynthesis | 10 min | 4.6 ⭐ (30) | NGSS MS-LS1.C-1 | CO₂, water, sunlight → sugar & oxygen in chloroplast |
| Grades 6–8 (application) | Plants Vs. CO₂ | 20 min | 4.6 ⭐ (49) | NGSS MS-LS1.C-1 | Photosynthesis & atmospheric balance |
Best pick for elementary (one period): Battle Garden if you need ~13 minutes; Masterplant if you want the most teacher reviews (77) and a fuller plant-growth loop.
Best pick for the actual photosynthesis process: Plantipot Photosynthesis — students collect CO₂, water, and light, then enter a chloroplast (MS-LS1.C-1).
Best pick for 5th grade light energy: Happy Sun Farm (ES-PS3.B-2).
How to use these games in a photosynthesis lesson plan
- Warm-up (5 min): What do plants need? Where does energy come from?
- Elementary play (13–25 min): assign Battle Garden or Masterplant.
- Middle school / advanced 5th: assign Plantipot Photosynthesis.
- Exit ticket: inputs and outputs of photosynthesis (light, CO₂, water → sugar, oxygen).
How to assign the game (free for teachers)
- Create a free teacher account at legendsoflearning.com.
- Open Masterplant or Plantipot Photosynthesis.
- Add the game to a playlist and assign it to your class.
FAQ
Is there really a free online game for teaching photosynthesis?
Yes — Legends of Learning has free teacher access to games like Masterplant (grades 3–5) and Plantipot Photosynthesis (grades 6–8).
What’s best for 5th grade?
Start with Happy Sun Farm or Battle Garden; use Plantipot if students are ready for the chloroplast process.
What NGSS standard does Plantipot cover?
MS-LS1.C-1 — Photosynthesis.
Can students play on Chromebooks?
Yes — games run in the browser and can be assigned for class or homework.
