the process by which carbon is transferred between the atmosphere, organisms, and Earth

the process in which energy from sunlight converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen

a chemical process in cells that breaks down glucose from food to release energy for life processes

an exothermic chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen, releasing heat to the surroundings

the breakdown of dead organic matter by microorganisms

The carbon cycle

Science

In the Atmosphere and Changing Climate unit, pupils will build on their understanding of the carbon cycle and climate change to explore the evidence for the composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere, and the effects and mitigation of increased levels of carbon dioxide and methane.

In the Earth's Resources unit, pupils learned about the composition of rock, the interior of the Earth, and how igneous and metamorphic rocks are made by heating.

This unit explores the rock cycle and the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. It also examines the atmosphere's composition, human-induced carbon dioxide production, and its impact on climate. Focus is on interpreting data, identifying patterns, and presenting explanations.

Carbon cycle and climate change

What is the process that uses energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen?

Which of the following processes transfer carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

it transfers carbon out of the atmosphere

it doesn't transfer carbon into or out of the atmosphere

How does decomposition affect the amount of carbon in the atmosphere?

Which of the following processes transfer carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere?

Carbon is transferred into animals when they eat.

When animals and plants die, carbon is transferred into the soil.

Decomposition transfers carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Combustion transfers carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Carbon is transfers into sedimentary rocks when shells are cemented together.

Which of the following is **not** a way in which carbon is transferred during the carbon cycle?

Dissolved carbon dioxide forms carbonate ions.

The bodies of some animals can use these to make shells or bones.

Shells and bones of dead sea creatures drop to the bottom of the ocean.

At this stage a sedimentary rock will have been formed.

Sort the following statements into order to explain how carbon in the oceans can end up in rock.

Which of the following do not photosynthesise?

What is the molecular formula of carbon dioxide?

What three things are required for combustion?

carbon dioxide + glucose → water + oxygen

oxygen + glucose → carbon dioxide + water

carbon dioxide + water → oxygen + glucose

oxygen + water → carbon dioxide + glucose

Which of the following is the correct word equation for respiration?

What key term describes the break down of dead organic matter?

Carbon atoms are moved to the caterpillar when it eats the plant.

Carbon atoms are moved from the caterpillar to the plant when it is eaten.

Carbon atoms from the plant move into the soil when it dies.

Carbon atoms get broken up when the plant is eaten.

Look at the image of a food chain. What happens to the carbon atoms in the plant?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The carbon cycle

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.