1. The student will demonstrate an understanding of Earth and Space systems. TAKS Objective 5 water carbon nitrogen

2. Predict the results of modifying the Earth’s nitrogen, water and carbon cycles TEKS 8.12 C water carbon nitrogen

3. 1.The student will identify and classify natural and human activities that influence the carbon cycle. 2. After graphing temp and CO 2 data, students will use data to predict the results of global warming. Lesson Objective water carbon nitrogen

4. The Carbon Cycle The Carbon Cycle

5. True of False: Rainforests are the principle source of carbon dioxide uptake. Question water carbon nitrogen

6. Algae in the oceans are most responsible for CO 2 uptake.

7. Extreme Carbon Rings water carbon nitrogen

8. Engage Show the “Carbon Dude” video clip. Carbon Dude

9. Explore Carbon Cycle Use the diagram from the website to examine the elements of the carbon cycle.

11. Explain Natural Sources of Carbon Sources of Carbon from Human Activity Death of plants and animals Animal waste Atmospheric CO2 Weathering Methane gas from cows (and other ruminants) Aerobic respiration from terrestrial and aquatic life Burning wood or forests Cars, trucks, planes Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas to produce heat and energy.

12. Elaborate Use given data to track information about the relationship between temperature and CO 2. Graph the information and debrief.

13. Debriefing 1.What is the temperature trend from 1950 through 2001? 2.What is the CO 2 trend from 1950 through 2001? 3.What is the relationship between temperature and carbon dioxide? 4.List at least four sources that might increase the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

14. 5.The industrial revolution began in 1760. If the amount of CO 2 was 276.72 ppm, what inferences might be made about the relationship between human activity and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? 6.How does photosynthesis by algae (and plants to a lesser degree) affect the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? 7.List at least three ways to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. 8. What are possible replacements for fossil fuels? 9.Define in your own words what the greenhouse effect is and why we should be concerned about it.

15. Evaluate Using the carbon cycle handout, the student will identify at least two human activity that influence the carbon cycle Using their graph, students will use the data to predict the results of global warming.