From Earth to Venus – Lesson 3: Modeling Moving Carbon
Lesson Summary
In this lesson: Students will begin by putting a series of cards in order to tell a story about how carbon moves and changes in a tree, and then engage with two rounds of a carbon cycle game. Next, students will assemble a fructose molecule model as part of a photosynthesis activity. After reflecting on and connecting the card set, the carbon cycle game, and the fructose model, students will be prepared to create a local carbon cycle model. Finally, they will research conditions on Venus to create a version of the carbon cycle game for that planet and record their work in the Mission Development Logs.
Lesson level question: What is carbon and how does it move and change on Earth and Venus?
Engage
Students will organize a card set to tell a carbon-related story.
Explore
Students will engage in two models of carbon moving and changing, one at the macro level and one at the micro level.
This “Explore” section has three parts:
- Part 1: Play the Carbon Cycle Game (original Fossil Fuels station card).
- Part 2: Play the Carbon Cycle Game (new Fossil Fuels station card).
- Part 3: Fructose Photosynthesis Model
Explain
Students will relate both of the carbon models from “Explore” to create a model of the carbon cycle in their local area (or create a local carbon story-telling card set).
Elaborate
Students will conduct research about Venus in order to create a Venus version of the carbon cycle game.
Evaluate
Students will document their work and learning for this lesson by meeting the deliverables outlined in MO-3.
Extend (optional)
Students will investigate NASA careers related to the work of this lesson.
Standards Alignment
Each lesson includes standards alignment information for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Many lessons also include information on alignment opportunities for: CCSS Mathematics, CCSS English, WA State Learning Standards in Computer Science, WA State Standards in Social Emotional Learning.
In these documents, you will find an alignment summary, followed by details for each lesson: