Carbon

Carbon cycle

1. What all living things made of?

All living things are made of carbon.

2. What is the atmospheric gas (greenhouse gas) called where carbon and oxygen are attached to each other?

Carbon is attached to some oxygen in a gas called carbon dioxide.

3. Using the diagram you now have as well as the information provided write a comprehensive description of how carbon in it’s different forms circulates through the Carbon Cycle.

4. How much more carbon dioxide (CO2) is present in the atmosphere today compared to 150 years ago? What is the effect on the Earth?

There is about 30% more carbon dioxide in the earth now compared to 150 years ago.

5. Describe how Scientists are able to understand how atmospheric conditions are changing.

Scientists are saying atmospheric conditions are changing because scientists work like detectives and look for clues around the planet.

6. What is meant by the “Greenhouse Effect?

The greenhouse effect is trapping the energy and sunlight and using reusing them. Have you ever been inside a greenhouse on a cold winter day? It might be cold outside, but inside the greenhouse lush green plants flourish in the warmth and sunshine. Greenhouses are made of glass and are designed to hold heat inside. Our planet's atmosphere traps energy just like a greenhouse. Energy from the Sun can enter the Earth’s atmosphere, but not all of it can easily find its way out again.

7. What is a Global Climate Model?

8. Make a list of the activities that Scientists know are affecting the global climate.

9. List what scientific global models are predicting for the next 100 years.

10. Make up an ACTION – RESULT table showing how you personally, your family, the school, your community could reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions (This is the ACTION) and the long term outcomes of such an action (This is the RESULT).