HS - LS2.B (C) - FINAL - ASSIGNED (ACM 2/3/2014)

Module: The Carbon Cycle

DCI: LS2.B (C) Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are important components of the carbon cycle, in which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and geosphere through chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes.

PE: HS-LS2-5 Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

 [Clarification Statement: Examples of models could include simulations and mathematical models.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the specific chemical steps of photosynthesis and respiration.]

The ideas in this standard are: 

-photosynthesis and respiration are part of the carbon cycle

- in the carbon cycle, carbon is exchanged between the biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and geosphere

- the exchange of carbon with the various spheres can be through chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes. 

The DCI gives us plenty of content information to ask questions about. (release of carbon dioxide gas from the ocean is between the oceans and atmosphere, and is a geological process, for example).  

We can develop a model by doing some graphic representations of the carbon cycle and ask where on the graphic photosynthesis might happen, or cellular respiration, or ask about their roles in the cycling of carbon between one sphere or another.  This batch should be fairly straight-forward.  Thank goodness. 

Possible Question Starters: 

"Which of the following provides an example of a geologic process which is involved in the exchange of carbon between the geosphere and the atmosphere?"

correct answer - during a volcanic eruption, methane gas (CH4) is released into the air 

incorrect answer - when ocean water reaches certain temperatures, carbon dioxide(CO2) gas is released

"Which process, carried out by animals, contributes to carbon being moved into the atmosphere?

correct answer - respiration

incorrect answer - photosynthesis
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