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The Carbon Cycle Game
(Adapted by Jennifer Ceven from “The Incredible Journey,” Project Wet )
Please credit the author, Jennifer Ceven, Grade 6 Science Teacher, when using this lesson
Summary:
By rolling a die, students will simulate a molecule of carbon’s movement
throughout various locations within the carbon cycle.
Objective:
o Students will describe the movement of carbon within the carbon cycle. o Students will evaluate the relative timing of movement through various locations in the carbon cycle.
Materials:
o 7 Dice o 7 Station Signs o 7 Station Movement Directions o Data record sheets for each student
Background :
The movement of carbon through various aspects of the natural environment is
the focus of much scientific research. Global warming and climate change can be attributed to the increased amount of heat-trapping gases, such as carbon dioxide.
Students must develop an understanding of how carbon moves through the
environment in order to appreciate the complexity of developing solutions to address
problems associated with climate change. In addition, since anthropogenic influences
impact how much carbon is reintroduced to the active carbon cycle, students should recognize that human actions negatively affect the environment.
Warm-Up:
o Review what carbon is (an element, the stuff of life) o Discuss where carbon can be found on Earth. o Discuss the role of carbon in each of the places identified. o Review the processes that move carbon around in the carbon cycle
- Physical processes
- Water currents
- Settling to the ocean floor or to the ground
- Chemical and Biological processes
- Respiration – Exchange of gases through breathing
- Photosynthesis - The synthesis of complex organic materials, esp. carbohydrates, from carbon dioxide, water, and inorganic salts, using sunlight as the source of energy and with the aid of chlorophyll and associated pigments.
- Combustion – The act or process of burning
- Dissolving gaseous carbon dioxide into water, where it takes the form of carbonic acid
- Coming out of solution of carbonic acid to become carbon dioxide in the air (same process that occurs when you open a soda )
- Death and Decomposition - breakdown or decay of organic matter
The Activity:
- Tell students that they are going to be carbon atoms moving through the carbon cycle.
- Categorize the places carbon can be found into these stations: Atmosphere, Plants, Animals, Soil, Ocean, Deep Ocean, and Fossil Fuels. Point out the areas of the room that are labeled with each station and contain the directions for movement from that station.
- Assign students to each station randomly and evenly. Have students identify the different places carbon could go from that given station. Discuss the processes that allow for the transfer of carbon between stations. Students should make a line and roll the die individually to follow the directions for movement from (or retention at) each station. Remind them that they are representing atoms of carbon moving through the carbon cycle and that they should record their movements on the data sheet.
- Students will realize the routine movements (or non-movements) in the carbon cycle.
- Once the carbon atoms (students) have had a chance to roll the die ten times, have each student create a bar graph using the data they collected. The bar graph should represent the number of times the carbon atom (student) was at each station.
- Using graph paper, create a large bar graph recording the number of carbon atoms (students) at each station.
Wrap-Up and Action Plan: o Ask a few students to tell the story of how their carbon atom moved through the cycle. o Discuss the results – using the bar graph have the students explain where the most/least amount of carbon was in the cycle?
Assessment:
o Rate students’ understanding on their responses from class or group discussions. o Assign a follow-up activity: o Role-play the motion of carbon throughout the carbon cycle. o Write a story about your carbon atom as it moved through the carbon cycle.
The Carbon Cycle
DATA RECORD SHEET
Record the places you have traveled as a carbon molecule. Student’s Name:
Station Stop What Happens Destination
The Carbon Cycle
THE ATMOSPHERE
You are currently a molecule of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
If you roll… Then you …
1 Stay in the atmosphere. Much of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere moves through the atmosphere.
2 Go to plant. You are used by a plant in photosynthesis.
3 Stay in the atmosphere. Much of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere moves through the atmosphere.
4 Stay in the atmosphere. Much of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere circulates through the atmosphere.
5 Go to surface ocean.
6 Go to plant. You are used by a plant in photosynthesis.
The Carbon Cycle
ANIMALS
You are currently a molecule of carbon in an animal.
If you roll… Then you …
1 Stay in animal. The carbon molecule is stored as fat in the animal.
2 Go to soil. The animal that consumed you died and your carbon molecule is returned to the soil.
3 Go to atmosphere. The animal that consumed you respired (breathed) you out as carbon dioxide.
4 Stay in animal. You are eaten by a predator.
5 Go to atmosphere. The animal that consumed you respired (breathed) you out as carbon dioxide.
6 Go to atmosphere. The animal that consumed you respired (breathed) you out as carbon dioxide.
The Carbon Cycle
SOIL
You are currently a molecule of carbon dioxide in the soil.
If you roll… Then you …
1 Stay in the soil. Much of the carbon in the soil is stored there.
2 Go to plant. You are used by a plant in photosynthesis.
3 Go to fossil fuels. Your carbon molecule has been in the soil so long it turns into fossil fuels.
4 Go to the atmosphere.
5 Stay in the soil.
6 Go to fossil fuels. Your carbon molecule has been in the soil so long that it turns into fossil fuels.
The Carbon Cycle
DEEP OCEAN
You are currently a molecule of carbon in the deep ocean.
If you roll… Then you …
1 Stay in the deep ocean.
2 Stay in the deep ocean.
3 Go to surface ocean.
4 Go to surface ocean.
5 Go to surface ocean.
6 Go to animal. An organism in the water has taken you up as food in the deep ocean.
The Carbon Cycle
FOSSIL FUELS
Fossil fuels are a rich source of energy that has been created from carbon that has
been stored for many millions of years.
If you roll… Then you …
1 Stay in the fossil fuels.
2 Stay in the fossil fuels.
3 Stay in the fossil fuels.
4 Stay in the fossil fuels.
5 Go to the atmosphere. Humans have pumped the fuel that you are part of out of the ground and have used it to power their cars.
6 Go to the atmosphere.
f. ~ /. ..CO2 In the. :. atmosphere '-.
.-~-... """"'-.:0---- -. ~~-
~
- DETRITUS
dead organic matter '7. FIRE ." --~-~~ : ;~ ~-~--~--- (10.'0-- detr1tus feeders and decomposers (^) .-)
~ CARBON CYCLE ~
NOTE: H=heads T^ =^ Tails^ Flip 2 coins unless you are told otherwise
START AT NUMBER 1
- YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW A MOLECULE OF CO2 IN THE ATMOSPHERE. f1!.Q ~ coins TT Not absorbed; your carbon atom remains in the atmosphere for another turn. TH or HH your carbon atom is absorbed into a leaf of a plant. Go to number 2
- THE MOLECULE OF CO2 WITH YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW IN A LEAF OF A
PLANT.
ili:p. ~ coins
TT NO SUNLIGHT! NO photosynthesis. the CO2 molecule with your
carbon atom returns to the atmosphere. Go back to #1.
TH or OH SUNLIGHT! Photosynthesis. Tour carbon atom is
incorporated into a sugar molecule by photosynthesis. Go to
number 3.
3. YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW IN A MOLECULE OF SUGAR IN A PLANT
il.!.Q .t..wQ CO! n S
TT the sugar molecule with your carbon atom is oxidized in cell
respiration to provide energy for plant growth. your carbon
atom is released in a molecule of CO2. Go back to number 1.
TH or HH the sugar molecule with your carbon atom is incorporated
into a molecule making up the tissue of a plant. Go to space
Number 4.
- YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW IN A MOLECULE OF SUGAR IN A PLANT. ~ ~ coins TT The plant is eaten by an animal. go to Number 5 and take another turn to determine what kind of animal. TU or HH plant part dies. its organic matter is detritus. Go to Number 6.
- THE^ PLANT^ TISSUE^ WITH^ YOUR^ CARBON^ ATOM^ IS^ EATEN^ BY^ A^ PRIMARY CONSUMER. .EliP. Q!1§ £Q!!! t w i c e. T & T mammal herbivore --go to SA T & H bird --go to SB H & T insect --go to SC H & H human, perhaps yourself --go to 9
- YOUR^ CARBON^ ATOM^ IS^ NOW IN^ A^ MOLECULE^ OF^ DEAD^ ORGANIC^ MATTER^ OR DETRITUS. fJJ:,Q ~ coins TT or TH consumed by a detritus feeder or decomposer. Go to 10 and take another turn to determine which one. HH FIRE! go to 7.
THE MOLECULE WITH YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW BEING OXIDIZED (BURNED) IN A FIRE. OXYGEN IS COMBING WITH YOUR CARBON ATOM AND IT IS BEING RELEASED IN A MOLECULE OF CARBON DIOXIDE. GO IMMEDIATELY BACK TO NUMBER 1 WITHOUT TAKING A TURN.
IlT YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW IN A MOLECULE MAKING UP A TISSUE OF A THIRD
ORDER CONSUMER OR A CARNIVORE.
n.!.:P- ~ coins TT the molecule is broken down and metabolized in cell respiration --go to 12. TH the third order consumer is eaten by another third order consumer. Go to 14 HH the third order consumer dies of injuries and/or disease. Go to 6.
12. THE MOLECULE CONTAINING THE CARBON ATOM IS NOW BEING BROKEN DOWN IN
CELL RESPIRATION TO PROVIDE ENERGY FOR THE CONSUMER'S MOVEMENTS AND
FUNCTIONS. IN THIS PROCESS, YOUR CARBON ATOM IS COMBINED WITH OXYGEN
ATOMS AND IS RELEASED BACK INTO THE AIR AS CARBON DIOXIDE. Go
immediately back to number 1 without taking another turn.
13. THE MOLECULE WITH YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW BEING INGESTED BY A
SECONDARY CONSUMER.
lliJ2 ~ coins TT the molecule is metabolized into a molecule making up a tissues of the consumer's body. Go to 11S TH CELL RESPIRATION!. Go to 12. 88 the molecule with your carbon atom is not digested. it passes through the intestinal tract and out as fecal matter. Go to 6
- THE MOLECULE WITH YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW BEING INGESTED BY A COW -- A CONSUMER. n.!.Q ~ coins TT the molecule is metabolized into a molecule making up a tissues of the consumer's body. Go to llT TH CELL RESPIRATION!. Go to 12. HH the molecule with your carbon atom is not digested. it passes through the intestinal tract and out as fecal matter. Go to 6.
15B THE MOLECULE WITH YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW BEING ABSORBED BY A BACTERIA. .El.iQ~~ T it gets incorporated into a molecule of the bacteria -go to 16 H it gets broken down and metabolized in cell respiration -- go to 12.
Go to
Go to
15E THE MOLECULE WITH YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW BEING INGESTED BY AN
EARTHWORM.
E!.i.Q ~ coins
TT it gets incorporated into a molecule of the worm's body.
TH it gets broken down and metabolized in cell respiration.
HH it is not digested; it passes through the intestinal tract and
out as fecal matter. Go to number 6
15F THE MOLECULE WITH YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW BEING ABSORBED BY A FUNGUS
(MUSHROOM).
.niQQn§.gglJ! T it gets incorporated into a molecule of the fungus. --go to
H it gets broken down and metabolized in cell respiration --go to 12.
151 THE MOLECULE WITH YOUR CARBON ATOM IS NOW BEING INGESTED BY AN
INSECT GRUB.
Flip ~ coins
TT it gets incorporated into a molecule of the insects body.
Go to 19.
TH CELL RESPIRATION!. Go to 12.
HH it is not digested. it passes through the intestinal tract and
out as fecal waste. Go back to 6
16 BODY.
YOUR CARBON MOLECULE IS NOW A MOLECULE MAKING UP THE BACTERIA'S
EliR ~ coins TT the molecule is broken down and metabolized in cell respiration --go back to 12. TH the bacteria is eaten by an earthworm --go to 15E HH the bacteria dies, --Go to 6.
17 BODY.
YOUR CARBON MOLECULE IS NOW A MOLECULE MAKING UP THE EARTHWORM I S
niR ~ coins TT the molecule is broken down and metabolized in cell respiration --go back to 12. TH the worm is eaten by an bird --go to 15E HH the worm dies of injury or disease --go to 6.
18 YOUR CARBON MOLECULE IS NOW A MOLECULE MAKING UP A MUSHROOM. niP- ~ coins TT the molecule is broken down and metabolized in cell respiration --go back to 12. TH the mushroom is eaten by an insect --go to 151 HH the mushroom matures and dies --Go to 6
19 YOUR CARBON MOLECULE IS NOW A MOLECULE MAKING UP THE BODY OF AN INSECT. .Eli:P. ~ coins TT the molecule is broken down and metabolized in cell respiration --go back to 12. TH the insect is eaten by a small mammal. --go to 8A HH the insect dies of injury or disease --go to 6.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: To increase students’ knowledge of the
carbon cycle and humans’ impact on it.
GAME OBJECTIVE: To be the first team to cycle through all carbon reservoirs on the game board. To win, one
must correctly answering a carbon card question while in each reservoir, then roll the appropriate dice to ad-
vance to another location within the carbon cycle.
MATERIALS:
- Game board - 7 sets of question cards - Minute glass for keeping time
- 7 carbon cycle dice - Token for each team (optional)
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME:
1. Have students form competing teams, each with two or three players.
- Distribute items listed under “Materials” to each pair of competing teams.
- Set out the game board, place each color-coded die near its matching carbon reservoir, and
place the seven stacks of carbon question cards along side the game board, image-side up.
- Present the game’s objective and rules to the class as a whole, or have competing teams review
them independently.
RULES OF THE GAME:
- The team with a member possessing a birthdate closest to the day’s date goes first. (It does not
matter if the birth date has recently past or is upcoming.) The team going first is referred to as Team A; the team going second, Team B.
- Each team puts their marker in the Fossil Fuel resevoir to begin. Each carbon reservoir is
image- and color-coded (e.g. “orange” with a traffic image for the Fossil Fuel reservoir; “green” with a plant image for the Vegetation reservoir).
- Team B pulls the first question card from the Fossil Fuel stack and reads the carbon question
to Team A, whose players have one minute to discuss and decide on their answer. (The answer is specified on the card.)
- If Team A players do not answer the question correctly, their turn is over and the question card
goes to the bottom of the stack. However, if they do answer correctly, they receive the question card and a roll of the Fossil Fuel resevoir die to attempt to advance.
- If Team A rolls the die and it lands showing another reservoir, Team A may advance their
token to it, and their turn ends. If they roll the die and it lands on the reservoir they are currently in, they must remain there, and their turn ends. They will have an opportunity to advance after answering another carbon card question correctly on their next turn.
- Team B now repeats the same process.
- After a team’s players correctly answer a carbon card question in the same reservoir three times
but fail to advance to a new reservoir, or if all questions in the resevoir have been exhausted, they may move their token to another carbon resevoior shown on their die.
- To win, a team must be first to successfully cycle through all seven reservoirs on the game board
and receive a carbon question card from each by correctly answering its question.
Carbon Cycle Pursuit · Game Directions
Game Assembly Teacher Instructions
Carbon Cycle Pursuit
Materials needed for Game Assemblance:
- Copy of Carbon Cycle Pursuit Directions
- Copy of game board, preferrably in color
- A color copy of each reservoir die (7 total)
- 7 Manila folders or 7 pages of firm paper stock (20 lb. weight)
- Two-sided Question Cards printed and laminated (8.5”x11”pages)
- Container to hold game contents
- Envelope or rubber band for question cards
- Two game piece tokens, one for each team, preferrably representing a component of the carbon cycle
- Use of a laminator machine, printer, and copier
- Clear tape or stapler
Advanced Preparation:
For a class of 30 students, with three students per team, you will need to prepare five Carbon Cycle Pursuit
games. To make the process easier, solicit student assistance. Instructions for making one game follow:
Step 1: Print the following on a color printer: game board, 2-sided question cards (7 double-sided pages),
and the 7 color-coded reservoir dice (materials follow on attached pages)
Step 2: On the backside of the game board page, copy the game directions.
Step 3: Laminate the game board and directions page as well as the question card pages.
Step 4: Cut out the question cards and organize them by reservoir. Each of the 7 reservoirs
will have a set of 10 game card questions that are color-coded to match the reservoir and the reservoir die.
Step 5: Cut out the 7 die along each die’s outline and staple or glue each to one side of a manila
folder or heavier paper stock. Cut out each die with its new backing, and fold into a cube along dotted lines. Secure fold with tape to maintain each die’s cube shape. (See illustrations that follow.)
Step 6: Add two markers/game pieces of your choosing -- one for each team -- to complete the advanced
preparation of the Carbon Cycle Pursuit game. You may wish to choose markers that reflect some component of the carbon cycle (e.g. a leaf, pumas rock) or have each team do so for homework prior to playing the game.
