The Carbon Cycle and its Role in Climate Change: Activity 1

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In this activity (on page 1), learners role play as atoms to explore how atoms can be rearranged to make different materials. Learners group together and link arms or hold hands to form chemical bonds and act out the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. Use this activity to introduce the carbon cycle and follow this activity with two associated activities from the same resource.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Several different colors of construction paper
  • Several different colors of chalk or ribbon
  • Marker or pen
  • Scissors
  • Safety pins or tape

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Atmosphere
  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Energy Flow and Chemical Cycles
    • Human Body
      • Respiration
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
      • Thermodynamics and Entropy
    • Energy
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
      • Chemical Reactions
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
      • Liquids
      • Gases
      • Changes of Phase
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Elements and Periodic Table
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Equations and Inequalities
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Technology and the Environment

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Gardening
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, United States Global Change Research Program, 2009