Classroom Teacher Preparation
Life Science 26: Carbon Cycling – A Virtual Lab
Please use the following to prepare for the next SfS lesson.
Description
This lesson provides an opportunity to investigate the processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis in living
organisms and will highlight how carbon dioxide and oxygen cycle through a biological system. During the virtual activity,
students observe the interaction of a snail and a water plant in a closed environment and use a chemical indicator to
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determine the presence of carbon dioxide in the environment. This lesson is geared towards older (6 -8 grade) students.
A solid understanding of photosynthesis is critical to successfully completing this activity. Classes unfamiliar with the
photosynthetic process should complete LS25 Plants prior to this lesson.
Preparation:
This lesson is a virtual experiment that must be completed on computers. If your school has computers or a computer
laboratory, reserve as many computers as necessary for students to work in groups of 2-3. An internet connection/WiFi is
necessary. This lesson can take place in the classroom with computers, on laptops, or in a computer lab. SfS has a small
number of laptop computers available if the school is equipped with WiFi. Computers with sound are preferred, but not
necessary.
Please provide instructors with directions and passwords for accessing the Internet.
Please introduce the following vocabulary and review the process of photosynthesis before teaching this lesson.
Vocabulary:
Introduce these terms:
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Indicator – a chemical that can show if another substance is present, usually by changing color
Photosynthesis – a process in which plants use energy from light to produce glucose and oxygen from carbon
dioxide and water; photosynthesis occurs in plants but not in animals
These terms will be defined in lesson:
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Carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle – the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen between plants and animals
Respiration (cellular) – a chemical process of cells in which oxygen is used to produce energy from glucose (a
sugar). Glucose and oxygen react to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. Aerobic respiration occurs in
plants and animals.
Elodea – an aquatic plant
Pond snail – an aquatic animal that breathes with a “lung”
Bromthymol blue – a blue chemical indicator that changes to a green or yellow color in the presence of an acid
(carbon dioxide)
Room Set Up for Activities:
Students will work in groups of 2-3. It will be necessary to seat all students in the group at each computer terminal. A
small amount of instructor table space is desirable for the instructors to prepare and display the demonstration.
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Safety
There are no safety precautions for this lesson.
Lesson Objectives – SWBAT (“Students Will Be Able To…”):
6-8
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Describe how oxygen and carbon dioxide cycle through photosynthesis and respiration
Appreciate that a chemical indicator can be used to determine concentrations of carbon dioxide in a solution
Use the scientific method to make hypotheses, follow a procedure, collect and record data, and make conclusions
MCAS/NGS Standards Covered:
MCAS Standards:
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6 -8 LS13 “Give examples of ways in which organisms interact and have different functions within an ecosystem that
enable the ecosystem to survive.”
HS 6.4 “Explain how water, carbon, and nitrogen cycle between abiotic resources and organic matter in an ecosystem,
and how oxygen cycles through photosynthesis and respiration.”
NGS Standards:
5-LS1-1. Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.
5-LS2-1. Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the
environment.
MS-LS1-6. Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for the role of photosynthesis in the cycling of matter and
flow of energy into and out of organisms.
Related Modules
Life Science 25: Plants – Photosynthesis is introduced and discussed.
Life Science 5: Food Webs – Teaches the basics of the energy pyramid and food webs. Students learn about the different
trophic levels of the energy pyramid and how to identify organisms in food webs at these trophic levels.
Additional Resources:
WGBH Videos and Activities: The PBS educational site is a great, free resource for educators but you must create an
account to use the materials. The first time you log in to the PBS Learning Media website you will be asked to create an
account and provide an email and password. Once you have logged in, select “keep me logged in” to avoid having to
repeat the process.
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Illuminating Photosynthesis Interactive:
http://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/tdc02.sci.life.stru.methusweb/illuminating-photosynthesis/
Photosynthesis: A Video Poem (1:32):
http://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/thnkgard.sci.ess.photosyn/think-garden-photosynthesis/
Other Links:
• http://www.wonderville.ca/asset/photosynthesis
Science from Scientists • 515 Beacon Street • Boston, MA 02215
617-314-7773 • [email protected] • www.sciencefromscientists.org
Copyright © 2016 Science from Scientists
Page 2