The Carbon Cycle: How It Works

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In this game, learners walk through an imaginary Carbon Cycle and explore the ways in which carbon is stored in reservoirs and the processes that transport the carbon atom from one location to another. This resource includes background information about carbon, the carbon cycle, and climate change.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Game, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Two dice
  • Scissors
  • Colored pencils
  • Plain paper
  • Carbon Process Cards (page 5 of PDF)
  • Carbon Reservoir Cards (page 7 of PDF)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Volcanoes and Plate Tectonics
      • Geochemical Cycles
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Oceans and Water
      • Atmosphere
      • Biosphere
    • Earth's History
      • Geologic Time
  • Life Sciences
    • Cells
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Energy Flow and Chemical Cycles
      • Human Impact
    • Human Body
      • Respiration
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Technology
      • Transportation
      • Manufacturing
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
    • Energy
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
      • Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
      • Solutions
    • States of Matter
      • Changes of Phase
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elements and Periodic Table
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
      • Technology and the Environment

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Games
  • 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:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Meier, Beverly L.

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, NOAA,