Back to Asteroids – Unit 3: Astrobiology
Asteroids – Unit 3 Lesson 2: Follow the Carbon
In this lesson: First, students will examine various carbon compounds, then they will engage in a carbon cycle game. Then, they will use two gas detectors to explore methane levels in their environment and carbon dioxide levels in experiments they design. Finally, they will demonstrate their understanding of carbon and the carbon cycle by writing two dialogues between NASA employees based on a carbon discovery.
Lesson level question: What can measuring the amount and forms of carbon in an environment tell us about the life there?
Engage
Students will attempt to match several carbon compound molecular diagrams with their names, formulae, and descriptions.
Explore
Students will model the movement of carbon through the carbon cycle at various stations representing different parts of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
Explain
Students will create their own carbon cycle model using the card sort molecules and defining the processes that allowed movement to happen.
Elaborate
Students will predict where methane and carbon dioxide can be detected as well as what conditions may create differing amounts.
Evaluate
Students will apply their understanding of carbon and the carbon cycle to create two dialogues about a new NASA discovery.