The Carbon Cycle Interactive Simulation

The carbon cycle describes branched transfers among the atmosphere, living organisms, soil, oceans, sediments, and fossil stores. Photosynthesis absorbs atmospheric CO₂; respiration and decomposition return much of it quickly; burial stores some carbon for long periods; and combustion rapidly releases stored carbon. Students can change process and compare what happens. Use it for earth science inquiry with Grades 4–5, Middle School, and High School on a projector or student device.

Standards: NGSS MS-LS2-3

• How photosynthesis and respiration balance each other in a healthy ecosystem
• Why decomposers are essential for returning carbon to the soil and atmosphere
• Why only some dead carbon becomes long-term soil, sediment, or fossil storage
• How burning fossil fuels adds extra CO₂ that was locked away for millions of years
• What would happen to atmospheric CO₂ if all plants were removed
• Why the carbon cycle is linked to climate change and global warming

1. 1Predict how changing process will affect the visible outcome, then test the prediction.
2. 2Use evidence from the interactive visual to explain the result.

Questions teachers ask