Exploring the Carbon Cycle and Climate Change

Exploring the Carbon Cycle and Climate Change

Learning Objective

Understand the process of the carbon cycle and its impact on climate change.

What do you already know about the carbon cycle and climate change?

Slide 1: Introduction to the Carbon Cycle

The carbon cycle is the process through which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms.

Slide 2: Carbon Sources and Sinks

Carbon sources release carbon into the atmosphere while sinks absorb and store it. Natural sources include respiration and volcanic eruptions, while human activities like burning fossil fuels are major sources.

Slide 3: The Role of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a key process in the carbon cycle where plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds.

Slide 4: Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration refers to the long-term storage of carbon in soils, oceans, and plants, which helps mitigate the impact of climate change.

Slide 5: Impact of Deforestation

Deforestation disrupts the carbon cycle by reducing the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide, leading to higher levels of atmospheric carbon.

Slide 6: Ocean Acidification

Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to higher levels being absorbed by the oceans, causing ocean acidification which impacts marine life.

Slide 7: Feedback Loops and Climate Change

Changes in the carbon cycle can create feedback loops that exacerbate climate change, leading to more extreme weather patterns and disruptions to ecosystems.

Slide 8: Mitigation Strategies

Various mitigation strategies, such as reforestation and transitioning to renewable energy sources, aim to reduce carbon emissions and restore balance to the carbon cycle.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.