The Carbon Cycle
Videos
Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APChemistry, Biology
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Khan Academy
What it is
- This resource explains the carbon cycle using a video, interactive quiz, and accompanying text with an engaging diagram.
- It takes a molecular view of the carbon cycle and introduces 3-D images of common carbon-based molecules as they are involved in photosynthesis or cellular respiration on land or in the ocean.
Teaching tips
Positives
- It contains a link to quickly post as a task or resource material on Google Classroom.
- It contains a glossary of key terms, description, and infographic of the carbon cycle.
Additional Prerequisites
- It is required to log in to Khan Academy to participate in the conversation thread or record their quiz scores automatically.
- Students should be familiar with the terms glucose, amino acids, DNA, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Differentiation
- Consider having your students explore this interactive diagram of the carbon cycle or this other interactive diagram of the carbon cycle.
- It may be best for some students to read the text and examine the carbon cycle infographic first before watching the video.
- As a group or individually, ask students to identify some human activities that affect the carbon cycle (e.g., burning fossil fuels, deforestation, etc.).
- AP environmental science classes can use this resource to connect the carbon cycle to fossil fuel use and the environmental impacts of adding extra carbon to the carbon cycle.
From the scientist review
This 9-minute video presents some examples of the carbon cycle primarily through the molecule carbon dioxide (CO2) and the processes of photosynthesis and combustion. The resource navigates through complex topics clearly, although some phrases, such as autotrophs, which are forms of life that can produce their own food for energy (such as plants) are not defined explicitly. Nonetheless, this resource is recommended for teaching.
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