Carbon Cycle Lesson for Elementary
Lesson Plan
50 minutesGradesK, 1, 2Earth and Space Sciences, Health
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Written by Suzanne Horsley
About this lesson
This lesson introduces students to the relationship between health and climate change through play and movement.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students complete an exercise warm-up and wonder about the question "Why am I breathing so hard?"
Step 2 - Investigate: Students play a game focusing on exercise, the carbon cycle, and climate change.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students discuss ways in which they can help address climate change, such as planting trees.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Positives
- This lesson can be adapted to all environments and spaces.
- Students will understand the importance of trees.
Additional Prerequisites
- Teachers should be familiar with the basics of climate change and the carbon cycle.
- Teachers should become familiar with the Take It to the Forest Game and set up the game before students arrive to class.
- Make sure to steer students away from possible misconceptions. Some students may think that:
- Fewer trees is a good thing so there is more carbon dioxide for humans to breathe.
- Breathing is bad because humans are creating more carbon dioxide.
Differentiation
- The game is designed to have independent work happening within a group and whole class setting. As such, modifications for students with needs are inherently built into the game, as each student is performing what they need to be successful.
- The game can be modified for classrooms and gyms that have limited space by adjusting the exercise activities and reducing the size of the circle pattern the students travel through.
- Safety issues about spatial awareness and proper exercising techniques should be reviewed before starting the game.
- Reminders for students to "honor the game" might be necessary.
- Students with mobility limitations can go at their own pace and work with a partner if needed. Depending on the situation, the partner can assist or take directions from the student.
From the scientist review
This lesson allows students to learn about the importance of trees in addressing climate change and improving air quality. Students get to play an interactive game to understand why we should conserve and restore the forests. The lesson has no scientific misconceptions, and all materials are well-sourced. This is recommended for teaching.
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About the teacher writer
Suzanne Horsley
Suzanne is a PreK- 5 Wellness teacher at Hopewell Valley Regional School District. She has been teaching for over 25 years and is the 2019 recipient of the NJ Society of Health and Physical Educators (NJSHAPE) Teacher of the Year. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she serves on many committees in the district and is a blended and personalized learning instructional coach for district faculty. Outside of school, Suzanne enjoys running, hiking, reading and spending time with her family.
