Year 9 - Science
The carbon cycle
Carbon cycle and climate change
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores the rock cycle and the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. It also examines the atmosphere's composition, human-induced carbon dioxide production, and its impact on climate. Focus is on interpreting data, identifying patterns, and presenting explanations.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to describe the carbon cycle and explain the effect of changes to parts of the cycle.
Key Notes
- Combustion increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Respiration of living things increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Decomposition of dead plants and animals increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Photosynthesis by plants, phytoplankton and some bacteria reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Carbon dioxide can dissolve in the oceans.
Vocabulary To Learn
- carbon cycle: the process by which carbon is transferred between the atmosphere, organisms, and Earth
- photosynthesis: the process in which energy from sunlight converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen
- respiration: a chemical process in cells that breaks down glucose from food to release energy for life processes
- combustion: an exothermic chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen, releasing heat to the surroundings
- decomposition: the breakdown of dead organic matter by microorganisms
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Carbon atoms can be created or destroyed.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Combustion increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Respiration of living things increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'carbon cycle'
the process by which carbon is transferred between the atmosphere, organisms, and Earth. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Carbon atoms can be created or destroyed. Correction: Focus teaching on the carbon cycle as a closed system in which the total amount of carbon is constant. Discuss the processes of how carbon is transferred from one place to another, rather than processes of how carbon is lost or gained.
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