The carbon cycle is natural and has happened for millions of years, so can humans change it? Young scientists play the role of carbon as they travel through the carbon cycle. They complete two rounds, once before the industrial revolution and once after, to better understand the changes. Summary questions ensure scholars make the connection between carbon and climate.

Concepts

the carbon cycle, climate change, greenhouse gases, the industrial revolution

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Align the lesson with the study of the industrial revolution if at all possible

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on prior knowledge of photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and food webs
• Provide multiple dice at each station so the activity moves quickly

Pros

• Uses only basic materials, so it's very easy to implement
• Gets pupils moving
• Provides answer keys

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.6-8.4