Lesson 5 of 7

The carbon cycle

Goal: Describe how carbon is recycled.

Puzzles for this lesson

Carbon atoms are used again and again. They move between the air, living things and the ground. This is the carbon cycle.

Out of the air: photosynthesis. Plants take in carbon dioxide and use the carbon to make glucose. Some carbon dioxide also dissolves in the sea.
Back into the air: respiration, decay and combustion all give out carbon dioxide.
Fossil fuels are a store of carbon. Burning them releases carbon that was locked underground for millions of years.

Your turn

This lesson’s activity starts here in a moment.

I can name processes that add carbon dioxide to the air and remove it.I can follow one carbon atom round the cycle.

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Carbon cycle How carbon moves between the air, living things and the ground

Fossil fuel Coal, oil or natural gas, formed from the remains of dead organisms

For teachers: AQA 3.7.3 · Pearson Edexcel Biology 10.1, 10.2 · Cambridge 9ESc.01