Introduction

Carbon is the sixth most abundant element in the universe. Carbon is a very unique element. Arrange carbon atoms in one way and it forms graphite a soft pliable material . Arrange the same carbon atoms in a different pattern and you will get diamonds Diamonds are one of the hardest materials on Earth. ! Scientists have discovered nearly 10 million different carbon compounds, and it is estimated that carbon is the key element in up to 95% of all known compounds.

diamond  graphiite

Diamonds and graphite are very different, yet both are formed from carbon.

As you can see, carbon is a very versatile able to change form or function element. In this lesson, you will learn how carbon and its counterpart something that completes or compliments something else , oxygen, cycle through the environment. You will also learn the importance of carbon to life on Earth.

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...

  • Identify the importance of carbon for life.
  • Describe how carbon and oxygen cycles through the environment.
  • Identify the reactions and products/byproducts of photosynthesis and respiration.

Enduring Understanding:

  • Carbon and oxygen are interwoven in the abiotic and biotic cycles providing a core for the support of life functions.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Environmental Science 2

This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standard: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R10, W1, W2, W3, W4, W9, and W10

 

 

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