The Carbon Cycle
Science · Ecosystems & Habitats · conceptual
Describe the carbon cycle, tracing carbon through photosynthesis, respiration, feeding, decomposition, and combustion, and explain the role of each process
What mastery looks like
- Draws or labels a diagram of the carbon cycle showing the main processes
- Explains how photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
- Explains how respiration, combustion, and decomposition return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere
- Discusses how human activities (burning fossil fuels, deforestation) disrupt the carbon cycle
Check your understanding
If The Carbon Cycle was asked where the carbon in a wooden table came from originally, could they trace its journey through the carbon cycle — from the atmosphere, through a plant, into the tree, and back out again?
Prerequisites
Required first
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