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In this experiment, students observe a natural process that removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from Earth's atmosphere. This process is a part of the carbon cycle and results in temperature suitable for life. Students learn that the carbon cycle is a fundamental Earth process. Throughout Earth's history, the balance of carbon has kept the atmosphere's carbon dioxide (CO2) and Earth's temperature within relatively narrow ranges.

Activity takes one to two class periods or overnight for experiment. Additional materials are needed.

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Climate Literacy

This Activity builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Energy Literacy

This Activity builds on the following concepts of Energy Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Excellence in Environmental Education Guidelines

1. Questioning, Analysis and Interpretation Skills:C) Collecting information
Other materials addressing:
C) Collecting information.
2. Knowledge of Environmental Processes and Systems:2.1 The Earth as a Physical System:B) Changes in matter
Other materials addressing:
B) Changes in matter.
2. Knowledge of Environmental Processes and Systems:2.2 The Living Environment:D) Flow of matter and energy
Other materials addressing:
D) Flow of matter and energy.

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • The educator should incorporate articles that explain the carbon cycle and chemical equations, and possibly more information to provide more evidence for global warming and the connection between CO2 in the atmosphere and global warming.
  • It is a good idea to have a larger sized diagram of the carbon cycle (that is legible) available for student use.

About the Content

  • It is an easy introductory lesson to the carbon cycle.
  • The activity effectively shows oxygen production of Elodea photosynthesis.
  • Diagrams included to help explain procedure and carbon cycle.
  • The educator will have to go to other sources for background material if needed.
  • Comment from expert scientist: This activity should be supplemented by additional and more in-depth information about the carbon cycle. It is important to note that fossil fuel combustion, vegetation burning, and deforestation, as well as plant soil respiration, are important other sources of CO2.

About the Pedagogy

  • This lesson is a basic, hands-on activity that can be done in teams.
  • Lesson plan is written in a "cookbook" style. Educator will have to make sure that the students' understanding is actually built.
  • Multiple modalities are utilized in this lesson to address different learning styles.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • Well-designed and easy-to-do activity.
Entered the Collection: January 2012 Last Reviewed: December 2016

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