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Flow of Matter and Energy in Ecosystems: Carbon, Carbon Everywhere
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Details

Type of Product:Science Object
Average Rating:
 based on 3 reviews
Publication Title:Flow of Matter and Energy in Ecosystems SciPack
Publication Date:10/11/2011
Grade Level:Elementary School, Middle School, High School


Description

Science Objects are two hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help teachers better understand the science content they teach. This Science Object is the second of three Science Objects in the Flow of Matter and Energy in Ecosystems SciPack. It explores how the cycling of carbon and other nutrients from non-living to living components and back is one of the most important of ecosystem functions and is representative of the cycling of other elements.

All matter that comprises organic molecules, including hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous and others are transferred cyclically among living organisms and their non-living environment. The cycling of elements from non-living to living components and back is one of the most important ecosystem characteristics. For example, carbon, an essential element in organic molecules, is conserved as it is transferred from inorganic carbon in an ecosystem to organic molecules in living organisms of the ecosystem and back as inorganic carbon to the environment. The carbon cycle, in the following description, serves as an example of one of the essential biogeochemical cycles.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Trace the path of a carbon atom from the atmosphere through a biomass pyramid and ultimately back to the atmosphere
  • Describe how photosynthesis and consumer respiration affect the flow of carbon through an ecosystem
  • Predict the biological effects of increasing levels of atmospheric carbon due to the massive combustion of fossil fuels
  • Identify the process that emits carbon to the atmosphere from producers, consumers and decomposers


Ideas For Use

Science Objects are two hour learning experiences teachers can use to enhance their understanding of a particular scientific concept. Teachers can access any topic “on demand” from the Internet. Topics are based on the science literacy goals in the national standards (NSES, Science for All Americans, Benchmarks, and the Atlas of Scientific Literacy) and tied to state standards.

Each Science Object provides an understanding of the science content by providing a structured set of learning experiences through simulations and practice assessments. Science Objects challenge teachers to explore and explain real world phenomena and are founded on the principle that learners must be challenged with a problem, observation, data, etc., in order to develop scientific understanding. Science Objects utilize the five phases of inquiry-based learning: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate

Learning Outcomes:

  • Trace the path of a carbon atom from the atmosphere through a biomass pyramid and ultimately back to the atmosphere
  • Describe how photosynthesis and consumer respiration affect the flow of carbon through an ecosystem
  • Predict the biological effects of increasing levels of atmospheric carbon due to the massive combustion of fossil fuels
  • Identify the process that emits carbon to the atmosphere from producers, consumers and decomposers

Additional Info

Science Discipline: (mouse over for full classification)
Biogeochemical cycles
Carbohydrates
Cell respiration
Photosynthesis
Cycles
Energy transfer
Food web
Population dynamics
Populations
Predation
Trophic levels
Environmental change
Analyzing data
Asking questions
Classifying
Collecting data
Communicating
Experimenting
Hypothesizing
Interpreting data
Measuring
Modeling
Observing
Predicting
Scientific habits of mind
Using mathematics
Using scientific equipment
Using technology
Intended User Role:Elementary-Level Educator, High-School Educator, Mentor, New Teacher, Teacher
Educational Issues:Inquiry learning, Professional development, Teacher content knowledge, Teacher preparation, Teaching strategies

Technical

Resource Format:application/x-shockwave-flash, audio/mp3, text/html, video/quicktime
Installation Remarks:Run the Science Objects System Check to ensure that your system is capable of viewing the simulations: http://ecommerce2.nsta.org/system_check/
Requirements:Requires Macromedia Flash Player and Apple Quicktime Player


National Standards Correlation

This resource has 6 correlations with the National Standards.  
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This resource has 6 correlations with the National Standards.  
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  • Earth Science
    • Geochemical cycles
      • The earth is a system containing essentially a fixed amount of each stable chemical atom or element. Each element can exist in several different chemical reservoirs. (9-12)
      • Each element on earth moves among reservoirs in the solid earth, oceans, atmosphere, and organisms as part of geochemical cycles. (9-12)
      • Movement of matter between reservoirs is driven by the earth's internal and external sources of energy. (9-12)
      • The movement of matter is often accompanied by a change in the physical and chemical properties of the matter. (9-12)
      • Carbon occurs in carbonate rocks such as limestone, in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide gas, in water as dissolved carbon dioxide. (9-12)
      • Carbon occurs in all organisms as complex molecules that control the chemistry of life. (9-12)


Customer Reviews
Carbon Cycle
  Reviewed by: Jenny on March 1, 2012
  This was a great refresher on the carbon cycle. I wish I had this as a resource for my students. It is great to get feedback as you go.

Review on Flow of Matter and Energy in Ecosystem.
  Reviewed by: Ronaldo Relador (Bowie, MD) on March 1, 2012
  Carbon, carbon everywhere is a strong support to the molecular theory. This provides evidences too to other conservation theories that govern the earth as well as the universe.

So What's the Big Deal About Carbon?
  Reviewed by: Lorrie Armfield (Laurel, MD) on December 28, 2011
  Good resource; provided clear details of how photosynthesis and respiration by consumers affect how carbon flows through an ecosystem. The pictures are very helpful with explaining the importance of carbon to life on Earth, and the slideshow on the global carbon cycle is excellent.

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