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Carbon Cycle Activities for Middle School Science

The resources below will provide students a comprehensive understanding of the carbon cycle. All of the following lessons are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

The Carbon Cycle 5E Lesson includes materials for every "E" phase, including the Carbon Cycle Station Lab for Exploration and an interactive PowerPoint with digital INB templates for Explanation.

The lesson also includes introduction materials for Engagement, student-choice project ideas for Elaboration, and assessments for Evaluation.

After completing the Carbon Cycle 5E Lesson, students will be able to diagram the flow of carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. Key vocabulary includes photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, decomposition, diffusion, and fossil fuels.

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Year-Round Resources

These year-round activities will increase your students' understanding of many middle school science topics. All of these activities are also included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Visual Data & Graphing

You're not alone if your students struggle with understanding graphs, charts, and tables. It's a skill that takes an enormous amount of practice. This resource will help students build a strong foundation in analyzing data and creating their own data visualizations.

Bell Ringers and Warm-Ups

These middle school science bell ringers are an excellent way to engage your students as soon as they walk into your classroom. This comprehensive FULL YEAR resource includes everything you need to start off each science class with an interesting warm-up activity.

Review Board Games

Each game board has been carefully designed to keep students engaged. There are 10 different action spaces on each board and dozens of question cards. All of the actions are related to science concepts and keep the students motivated throughout the game.

Each game is ready to play. Simply print out the board and the cards and let the students enjoy reviewing nine different units.


Essential Questions and Standards

Below are the essential questions and standards associated with the lessons and activities included in the carbon cycle unit. This topic is only one of more than 100 middle school science topics included in the Kesler Science Membership.

Essential Questions
  • What are biological and geological carbon cycles?
  • How do the atmosphere, biosphere, lithosphere, and ocean interact in the carbon cycle?
Standards
  • MS ESS2-1 - Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process

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Kesler Science Membership

Imagine never having to search for another middle school science lesson again. The membership gives you access to ALL of the Kesler Science products in one place (Yes, including everything above).

Say goodbye to long hours of lesson prep.