The carbon cycle
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the carbon cycle and explain the effect of changes to parts of the cycle.
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.
Teacher tip
For some classes, card sort activities can be useful for consolidating understanding. For some, it can help clarify understanding by providing opportiunity for pupils to work in small groups to write summaries, in their own words, of each part of the lesson/carbon cycle.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following do not photosynthesise?
Q2.What is the molecular formula of carbon dioxide?
Q3.What three things are required for combustion?
Q4.Which of the following is the correct word equation for respiration?
Q5.What key term describes the break down of dead organic matter?
Q6.In a food chain what happens to the carbon atoms in the plant?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the process that uses energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen?
Q2.Which of the following processes transfer carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
Q3.How does decomposition affect the amount of carbon in the atmosphere?
Q4.Which of the following processes transfer carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere?
Q5.Which of the following is not a way in which carbon is transferred during the carbon cycle?
Q6.Sort the following statements into order to explain how carbon in the oceans can end up in rock.
To help you plan your 9 science lesson on: The carbon cycle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 science lesson on: The carbon cycle, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Carbon cycle and climate change unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.