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8. Investigate the Carbon Cycle

Mission Objectives

Name ways that carbon dioxide is put into and taken out of the atmosphere

Describe how carbon is recycled in the atmosphere

Explain how humans can impact the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Evaluate methods for reducing carbon emissions

Rocket Words Quiz

See if you know all the meanings of the rocket words

Assessment Quiz

Test your knowledge of this lesson

Word search Game

Find all the rocket words

Lesson Resources

Lesson Plan

View and print the lesson plan

Key Words

Words and meanings to learn

carbon

the magic element that is the basis of life on Earth. All living things contain carbon

sediment

the material from a liquid that settles to the bottom

carbon cycle

a process where carbon dioxide travels from the atmosphere into living organisms and the Earth, then back into the atmosphere

atmosphere

the layer of gas that surrounds Earth

reusing

to "reuse" materials in their original form instead of throwing them away

Required Resources

Resources: class presentation, handout. 

Main handout: 

  • Information sheets with different locations: atmosphere, soil, ocean, plant, rabbit, fox, fossil fuel and explanation of what happens at each location. 
  • Summary sheet with table: What happens at each location and where do you go next
  • Diagram of the carbon cycle to label.
  • Questions to explore: What are the carbon sinks? Why are they important?  Why the levels of carbon dioxide are increasing and how we can reduce them. 

Challenge handout: Information on carbon sequestration, how it works and space to record pros and cons

Expert film

Mission assignment film

Meet The Authors

Clare Faulkner

Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!

In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

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Katie Barrie


Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts. 

In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.  

Contact: katiebarrie@developingexperts.com  

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