Grade 8 Earth Scientists Discover Carbon Cycle

Students in Earth Science are mid-way through a unit covering the atmosphere, carbon cycle and water cycle. They’ve discussed how carbon moves through the earth and atmosphere, taking on different forms as it interacts with plants, animals and the environment. 

They took their knowledge outside the classroom and around the school during class time this week, working to identify real-world examples of the carbon cycle.

Working in small teams, students earned points by finding and photographing examples of carbon cycle stages such as respiration, photosynthesis, decomposition and dissolution in their immediate environment. They examined plants, foods and other students. They even documented each other breathing, moving, jumping and eating. They earned extra points for documenting students demonstrating exceptional character by being a good human, good student, good role model or good citizen. 

Activities like this one promote hands-on, team-based learning that encourages application of knowledge as students work to identify, and even become, subject matter in real time.