Earth Systems Activity

• In this activity, students will create a carbon cycle model to show the important role that carbon plays in making Earth habitable. 
• Students will watch a video and read a text about geology and the carbon cycle then they will work in groups to make a model to explain how the carbon cycle regulates Earth's systems. 
• The student worksheet will allow students to reflect on how the carbon cycle works. 

Positives

• The video shows how carbon enters the atmosphere and can be removed through a series of chemical reactions.
  
• Students will use critical thinking skills to understand the complex role that carbon plays in Earth's systems. 
• Additional resources are linked in the Suggested Background Knowledge section of the Teacher Document.

Additional Prerequisites

• The Teacher Document and the Student Materials files are located in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.
• Students should be familiar with the geologic timescale and the greenhouse effect.
• Students should understand that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas.

Differentiation

• After the drawing activity, students could compare their models and note the similarities and differences between them.
• Teachers could pair students who need support with more confident students as they construct their models and answer the questions from the worksheet.
• Students could research and create a WebQuest, slideshow, or video that summarizes this lesson and showcases their carbon cycle model.
• Other resources on this topic include this interactive model of the carbon cycle, this interactive diagram of the global carbon cycle, and this TED-Ed lesson on how carbon emissions cause climate change.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.