OCR A Level Geography: Earths life support systems: Carbon Cycle

A comprehensive four-lesson OCR A Level Geography Carbon Cycle sequence designed to take students from the fundamental processes and stores of the global carbon cycle through to human impacts, change over time and wider links within Earth’s Life Support Systems. Across the four lessons, students build secure understanding of carbon stores, transfers and fluxes, photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, combustion, sequestration and the role of vegetation, soils, oceans and the atmosphere, before applying this knowledge to changing carbon stores and flows and human disturbance. The sequence combines clear geographical explanations and diagrams with retrieval practice, data interpretation, causal chains, discussion, evaluation and OCR-style examination practice, helping students move beyond simply describing the carbon cycle towards explaining relationships and making supported geographical judgements. With engaging PowerPoints, structured activities and a strong focus on AO1 knowledge, AO2 application and exam technique, the four lessons can be taught as a complete Carbon Cycle mini-unit or used for focused revision within OCR Earth’s Life Support Systems.