Lesson Plan

8. Investigate the Carbon Cycle

N22_KS3_08

Intent

Lesson Outcomes

  • Name ways that carbon dioxide is put into and taken out of the atmosphere
  • Describe how carbon is recycled in the atmosphere
  • Explain how humans can impact the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
  • Evaluate methods for reducing carbon emissions

National Curriculum

  • Earth as a source of limited resources and the efficacy of recycling
  • The production of carbon dioxide by human activity and the impact on climate
  • L1 – Pupils learn study, organisational, research and presentation skills
  • L3 – Pupils learn to set realistic yet ambitious targets and goals

Working Scientifically

  • Present observations and data using appropriate methods, including tables and graphs

Resources

Resources: class presentation, handout. 

Main handout: 

  • Information sheets with different locations: atmosphere, soil, ocean, plant, rabbit, fox, fossil fuel and explanation of what happens at each location. 
  • Summary sheet with table: What happens at each location and where do you go next
  • Diagram of the carbon cycle to label.
  • Questions to explore: What are the carbon sinks? Why are they important?  Why the levels of carbon dioxide are increasing and how we can reduce them. 

Challenge handout: Information on carbon sequestration, how it works and space to record pros and cons

Rocket words

  • carbon
  • sediment
  • carbon cycle
  • atmosphere
  • reusing

Implementation

Starter

Show pictures of a person breathing out, lime water turning cloudy as someone breathes into it, a fire burning, a volcano erupting, car exhaust fumes, and a green plant. Ask pupils what the link is (Carbon Dioxide).  

Can they work out which picture is the odd one out? Why? (Plant: Photosynthesis takes carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, the rest put it in.)

Main Teaching

Pupils complete a carbon diary to explore the journey of a carbon molecule through the cycle. Students visit locations and collect information. From this, they then label a diagram of the carbon cycle.  

What are the carbon sinks?

Use the diagram to show why carbon dioxide levels are increasing and how we can reduce this as individuals. 

Career Film: Joshua Daniel works as an Asset Health Lead for Anglian Water. Click on the tour to find out more about Joshua's job role.

Expert Film: Richard Park works as a Community Education worker for Anglian Water. Richard explains how the Carbon Cycle works.

Mission Assignment

Pupils complete a diary to show the journey of carbon through the carbon cycle.

Label a diagram of the carbon cycle. 

Explain why carbon dioxide levels are increasing. 

Challenge Task:

What is carbon sequestration? 

How does it work?

What are the advantages? 

What are the disadvantages?

Impact & Assessment Opportunities

Plenary

Ask pupils to make a green pledge: How can they reduce their carbon dioxide emissions? 

How else could they influence the reduction of carbon dioxide? 

Why is this so important?