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Understanding the Carbon Cycle: A Jigsaw Approach
https://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/climatechange/activities/15162.html

David Hastings, SERC - On the Cutting Edge Collection

This is a jigsaw activity in which students are assigned to research one step out of five in the geochemical process stages of the organic carbon cycle. Students then teach their step in cross-step groups until everyone understands all five process stages.

Activity takes one to two class periods.

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Grade Level

Activity could be modified to be used in a high school setting.

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

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

  • This is an activity that can be used to introduce the carbon cycle.
  • It would be useful to include other background resources, both for use by educators and also by students in their research.
  • Students may need some suggestions about where to begin their part of the research.

About the Content

  • Sole science reference is a textbook; ideally the educator provides additional sources of background information on the carbon cycle.
  • Addresses terrestrial and organic carbon cycle processes at the biosphere and geosphere levels.
  • Topics included in the activity are photosynthesis, respiration, death, decomposition, and feeding.

About the Pedagogy

  • Jigsaw method is a constructive way to illustrate how these concepts are interconnected.
  • Materials provided include a wide range of extension activities and a poster that could be displayed after the lesson to reinforce retention.
  • Activity emphasizes the integration of concepts.
  • Part of the lesson involves students learning how to perform research and compiling their own information to report back to the group.
  • Jigsaw format is suitable for a variety of learning styles.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • Very low-tech; easy for students to use in any classroom setting.
Entered the Collection: February 2012 Last Reviewed: August 2016

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