Students are creating a model to show how plants and animals are involved in carbon cycling.

Question

What is the role of each component in the carbon cycle? Move the correct answer to the box to show how carbon moves between systems.

Response area with 3 blank spaces

Blank space 1 empty
Blank space 2 empty
Blank space 3 empty
Answer options with 6 options.

Answer 1

To help students understand the carbon cycle, it’s useful to identify the roles of key components involved. Here’s a suggestion for filling in the response areas based on common concepts in the carbon cycle:

1. Plants: Carbon dioxide uptake through photosynthesis

   • Plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and use it to produce glucose, releasing oxygen (O2) as a byproduct.

2. Animals: Respiration and consumption of plants

   • Animals consume plants (or other animals) and release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere through respiration.

3. Decomposers (like bacteria and fungi): Breaking down organic matter

   • Decomposers break down dead plant and animal matter, returning carbon to the soil and releasing CO2 back into the atmosphere.

Response area:

• Blank space 1: Plants - Carbon dioxide uptake through photosynthesis
• Blank space 2: Animals - Respiration and consumption of plants
• Blank space 3: Decomposers - Breaking down organic matter

Feel free to modify the roles or add other components like the ocean or fossil fuels if necessary, depending on the focus of your student's model.