The Carbon Cycle
Provided by: Khan Academy|Published on: April 27, 2021
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Videos
Subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Authors: Khan Academy
Region: Global
Languages: English
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 →
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 →
Synopsis
- 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 Materials
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.
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.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
