This document contains a set of instructional materials about photosynthesis that were used in a research study of middle school science teaching during 1985-86. The Middle School Science Project investigated ways to help middle school science teachers use teaching strategies that were identified in earlier studies as particularly effective in promoting meaningful conceptual-change learning. Such learning requires students to go beyond memorization of facts and terminology and to make sense of scientific explanations of phenomena. For students, such learning in science often requires them to go through a difficult process of conceptual change, reshaping and abandoning ideas or misconceptions that they have developed from experience and have believed for a long time. The materials include an introductory description of students' difficulties related to learning about photosynthesis, a student text with accompanying comments and suggestions to teachers, a set of overhead transparent masters, and suggested laboratory activities. (Author/TW)