Gizmo Instructions
If you have not yet signed up for Gizmos, follow these instructions:
Go to http://go-el.com/join
Use code ELDKC9LB
Click next
If you've used Gizmos before and remember your login information, log into your account. Otherwise, create a new account
Write down your username and password and put this information in a safe place
Please watch the class recording (updated 4/4/25) if you need help
Gizmo Instructions
If you have not yet signed up for Gizmos, follow these instructions:
Go to http://go-el.com/join
Use code ELDKC9LB
Click next
If you've used Gizmos before and remember your login information, log into your account. Otherwise, create a new account
Write down your username and password and put this information in a safe place
Please watch the class recording (updated 4/4/25) if you need help
Prior Knowledge Questions (Answer these before using the Gizmo.)
In the process of photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and water (H2O) from the soil. Using the energy of sunlight, plants build molecules of glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2).
How do plants on Earth affect the amount of carbon in Earth’s atmosphere?
Animals eat plants and produce carbon dioxide and water. How do animals affect the amount of carbon in Earth’s atmosphere?
Part 1
Click here to open the Carbon Cycle Gizmo
Background information: The Carbon Cycle Gizmo allows you to follow the many paths an atom of carbon can take through Earth’s systems. Earth can be divided into four systems. The atmosphere is the air above Earth’s surface. The hydrosphere is composed of all of Earth’s water. The geosphere is the rocky, non-living part of Earth. The biosphere consists of all living things, including people. Some scientists use the term “anthroposphere” to describe everything made or modified by humans.
Question: How does carbon move between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere?
To begin, in the PATH tab, notice the black carbon atom in the Atmospheric CO2 area, highlighted in yellow. The glowing blue areas represent possible locations the carbon atom could go next.
From the Earth's atmosphere, where can the carbon atom go next? Select all that apply.
Click on Land plants and read the description. How did the carbon atom get from the atmosphere to a plant?
Select Land animals. How did the carbon atom get from land plants into the animal?
Land animals
Select Atmospheric CO2. How did the carbon atom get from land animals back to the atmosphere?
Click Reset. Use the Gizmo to create a different carbon cycle. The cycle should have at minimum four steps, should begin and end in the atmosphere, and include the hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere.
Take a screenshot of your path by clicking Tools, then screenshot. Right click on the image and choose "Copy."
Return to Formative and click "Show Your Work" below. Use Control + v to paste your screenshot.
Use the drawing tools to label each location with A for atmosphere, B for biosphere, G for geosphere, or H for hydrosphere.
Based on what you have learned, why is the carbon cycle important to all living things and the environment?
You may type your answer or use the blue "+" the record your response.
Part 2
Background information: Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals. The burning of fossil fuels, as well as other human activities, increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Question: How does human activity affect the carbon cycle?
Using the Gizmo, determine the path a carbon atom takes to form coal, starting and ending in the atmosphere.
Take a screenshot of your path by clicking Tools, then screenshot. Right click on the image and choose "Copy."
Return to Formative and paste the screenshot in the box below by right clicking and choose "Paste" or click in the box and press Control + v
Using the Gizmo, determine the path a carbon atom takes to form petroleum (oil), starting and ending in the atmosphere.
Take a screenshot of your path by clicking Tools, then screenshot. Right click on the image and choose "Copy."
Return to Formative and paste the screenshot in the box below by right clicking and choose "Paste" or click in the box and press Control + v
Using the Gizmo, determine the path a carbon atom takes to form natural gas, starting and ending in the atmosphere.
Take a screenshot of your path by clicking Tools, then screenshot. Right click on the image and choose "Copy."
Return to Formative and paste the screenshot in the box below by right clicking and choose "Paste" or click in the box and press Control + v
Using the Gizmo, determine the path a carbon atom takes to the cement plant, starting and ending in the atmosphere. Hint: one of the ingredients of cement is limestone
Take a screenshot of your path by clicking Tools, then screenshot. Right click on the image and choose "Copy."
Return to Formative and paste the screenshot in the box below by right clicking and choose "Paste" or click in the box and press Control + v
How do many human activities influence the carbon cycle?
Use at least 2 examples from coal, oil, natural gas, and cement.
You may type your answer or use the blue "+" the record your response.