The Carbon Cycle
Describe the carbon cycle, tracing carbon through photosynthesis, respiration, feeding, decomposition, and combustion, and explain the role of each process
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Teaching Table
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“If your child 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?”
Full guide and materials
- Activity. Describe the carbon cycle, tracing carbon through photosynthesis, respiration, feeding, decomposition, and combustion, and explain the role of each process
What to notice. 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
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If your child 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?
Describe the carbon cycle, tracing carbon through photosynthesis, respiration, feeding, decomposition, and combustion, and explain the role of each process
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Check understanding
- 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
“If your child 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?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Ecosystems & Habitats
- Age range
- Ages 12–13
Standards