Description

The carbon cycle game is a great way for students to visualize the pools and processes involved this biogeochemical cycle. With 6 different carbon pools, students learn about each process and roll dice to determine their next location! Worksheets allow students to record their path and summarize these tricky but important concepts.

Please note: This activity is also part of my Biology Unit 12: Environmental Stability and the Full-Year Biology Curriculum.

Included in this resource:

• A teacher page with instructions for set up and teaching tips
• 1 page of background information on biogeochemical cycles and sources, sinks, and reservoirs. This can be used as an honors-level addition.
• 6 station cards with explanations on the various carbon pools and the processes used to bring in carbon, store it, and release it from each pool
• A student game tracking page for recording the pools visited and processes used during game play
• A diagram for students to trace their path after game play
• Answer keys

Note: It is expected that students may repeat pools and not make it to each station. This is a realistic simulation of how a carbon atom might move.

Station “pools” include: atmosphere, vegetation, animals, rocks & fossil fuels, oceans, volcanoes

Processes include: photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, volcanic eruptions, diffusion, decomposition, uplift

Human impacts to the carbon cycle are specifically addressed in the comprehension questions at the end of the game.

►Looking for more Biology activities? See them all here.