Description
Develop models showing the biological, geological, and anthropogenic impacts to the carbon cycle in the classroom. In this series of 4 activities, students explain the patterns in atmospheric carbon dioxide data over the past 800,000 years. They describe biogeochemical cycles; analyze atmospheric carbon dioxide data; explore biological, geological, and anthropogenic processes dealing with the carbon cycle; conduct an activity to explore a method of carbon sequestration; and then play a game to model some of the anthropogenic impacts on the carbon cycle.
Curriculum Connection
While designed for a stand-alone earth science course, this series of activities could be incorporated into a high school biology course during a unit on biogeochemical cycling or following a unit on photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Time Requirement
Teacher prep, 105 minutes. Completing the activities, approximately 2 weeks (320 minutes).
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Performance Expectation(s)
HS-ESS2-6. Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
HS-ESS3-6. Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
Crosscutting Concepts
Systems and System Models
Stability and Change
Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS2.D: Weather and Climate
Science and Engineering Practices
Developing and Using Models
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with matter and its properties, nutrient and energy cycling, geologic processes, and pH.