Show your students an educational video about photosynthesis. Kids pay more attention to important information when it is presented on a big screen. If possible, show a cartoon video to better engage them. Several videos are available on educational websites, and your school district or textbook developer may offer additional videos for you to show to your class.
Integrate games and other engaging activities into your lesson. Just as sites, developers and districts include videos for teachers, they also include interactive games you can let the children play. If you have a computer lab or multiple computers in your classroom, they can play games on the computers. If you do not have access to multiple computers, you can print out games or even create your own. Jeopardy and bingo style games are always classroom favorites, especially among older students.
Involve yourself in the lesson and activities. If children see your passion and involvement, it will be easier for them to be excited and they will more naturally want to participate. If you sit behind a desk and pay no attention to them, they will most likely begin to talk and distract themselves with unrelated subjects.
Offer prizes for all participants in the activity. Candy and other food is always a classroom favorite, and even if you divide the class into teams for a competition, all kids should feel important and receive a prize even if they do not win the game.
Encourage and praise students even when they are difficult and do not want to be involved. Sometimes, kids act out of line because of negative personal life experiences. Remember, you may be the only positive encouragement a child receives all day. Over time, this can help even the most rebellious students to want to be involved.