Becoming Carbon

Earth processes are the result of energy flowing and matter cycling within and among the planet’s systems. The cycles of matter produce chemical and physical changes in Earth’s materials and living organisms. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb and retain the energy radiated from land and ocean surfaces, thereby regulating Earth’s average surface temperature and keeping it habitable. In this investigation, students will explore the Carbon Cycle through a role-playing exercise to show its impacts on the living and nonliving things on Earth.