KS3 Carbon cycle and climate

In this introductory lesson, we look at the scientific processes and concepts of the carbon cycle. This will enable students to grow prior knowledge of food webs, respiration, and photosynthesis, as well as the combustion of fossil fuels into a more complete model. The lesson starts with an exercise to illustrate the range of different forms of carbon and carbon compounds and where they are found. This is followed by a gamified exploration of the carbon cycle. Key vocabulary and an understanding of the carbon cycle and its link to climate change is developed through a dominos task and short answer questions.

Learning outcomes

• Identify where carbon can be found
• Describe ten basic processes of the carbon cycle
• Demonstrate their understanding of carbon stores and movement between them
• Link increasing carbon in the atmosphere to climate change