There is 30 percent more carbon in the atmosphere today than there was 150 years ago. The first activity in the four-part series teaches classes about the carbon cycle. Over two to three days, classes make a model of the cycle, add missing components after viewing other models, and finish by playing a game. Taking on the role of a carbon atom, they work their way through the cycle by flipping a coin to move. The activity ends with a discussion based upon their experiences. 

Concepts

the carbon cycle, atoms, cellular respiration, photosynthesis

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Between the modeling of the cycle and the game, classes need to discuss the carbon cycle teachers know pupils are working with the correct information

Classroom Considerations

• Activity assumes learners possess knowledge about the different levels of consumers, detritus feeders, and decomposers as well as photosynthesis and cellular respiration
• Duration of lesson could easily be two class periods

Pros

• The activity is easy to set up because it requires few materials
• Lesson includes four questions for individuals to answer; teachers can use this as an assessment

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3