TAKS Objective 5
The student will demonstrate an
understanding of Earth and
Space systems.
TEKS 8.12 C
Predict the results of modifying
the Earth’s nitrogen, water and
carbon cycles
Lesson Objective
1.
The student will identify and classify
natural and human activities that
influence the carbon cycle.
2. After graphing temp and CO2 data,
students will use data to predict the
results of global warming.
The
Carbon Cycle
Question
True of False: Rainforests are the
principle source of carbon dioxide
uptake.
Algae in the oceans are most
responsible for CO2 uptake.
Extreme Carbon Rings
Engage
• Show the “Carbon Dude” video clip.
Carbon Dude
Explore
Carbon Cycle
• Use the diagram from the website to
examine the elements of the carbon
cycle.
Explain
Natural Sources
of
Carbon
•Death of plants and animals
•Animal waste
•Atmospheric CO2
•Weathering
•Methane gas from cows
(and other ruminants)
•Aerobic respiration from
terrestrial and aquatic life
Sources of Carbon from
Human Activity
•Burning wood or forests
•Cars, trucks, planes
•Burning fossil fuels
such as coal, oil and
natural gas to produce
heat and energy.
Elaborate
• Use given data to track information about
the relationship between temperature and
CO2. Graph the information and debrief.
Debriefing
1. What is the temperature trend from 1950
through 2001?
2. What is the CO2 trend from 1950 through
2001?
3. What is the relationship between
temperature and carbon dioxide?
4. List at least four sources that might
increase the carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere.
5.The industrial revolution began in 1760. If the
amount of CO2 was 276.72 ppm, what inferences
might be made about the relationship between
human activity and the amount of carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere?
6.How does photosynthesis by algae (and plants to a
lesser degree) affect the amount of carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere?
7.List at least three ways to reduce the amount of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
8. What are possible replacements for fossil fuels?
9.Define in your own words what the greenhouse effect
is and why we should be concerned about it.
Evaluate
• Using the carbon cycle handout, the
student will identify at
least two human activity
that influence the carbon cycle
• Using their graph, students will use the
data to predict the results of global
warming.