The Carbon Cycle
Describe the carbon cycle, tracing carbon through photosynthesis, respiration, feeding, decomposition, and combustion, and explain the role of each process
Typical age: 12–13 years
“If your child was asked where the carbon in a wooden table came from originally, could they trace its journey through the carbon cycle — from the atmosphere, through a plant, into the tree, and back out again?”
0 / 4 mastered
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Needs first
- Matter Cycling in EcosystemsREQUIRED
KS3 carbon cycle extends KS2 model of matter movement among plants, animals, decomposers and the environment
- Aerobic RespirationREQUIRED
The carbon cycle's return of CO₂ to the atmosphere via living things is through respiration — the aerobic respiration equation must be understood
- Food Webs & Interdependence
The carbon cycle involves organisms feeding, respiring, and decomposing — understanding food webs provides the biological context
- PhotosynthesisREQUIRED
The carbon cycle's biological removal of CO₂ is via photosynthesis — that process must be understood to trace carbon through the cycle