The carbon cycle
I can describe the carbon cycle and explain the effect of changes to parts of the cycle.
- Year 9
The carbon cycle
I can describe the carbon cycle and explain the effect of changes to parts of the cycle.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Combustion increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Respiration of living things increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Decomposition of dead plants and animals increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Photosynthesis by plants, phytoplankton and some bacteria reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Carbon dioxide can dissolve in the oceans.
Keywords
Carbon cycle - the process by which carbon is transferred between the atmosphere, organisms, and Earth
Photosynthesis - the process in which energy from sunlight converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen
Respiration - a chemical process in cells that breaks down glucose from food to release energy for life processes
Combustion - an exothermic chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen, releasing heat to the surroundings
Decomposition - the breakdown of dead organic matter by microorganisms
Common misconception
Carbon atoms can be created or destroyed.
Focus teaching on the carbon cycle as a closed system in which the total amount of carbon is constant. Discuss the processes of how carbon is transferred from one place to another, rather than processes of how carbon is lost or gained.
Equipment
Licence
Lesson video
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