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How Humans Disrupted a Cycle Essential to All Life

Provided by: Vox |Published on: April 27, 2021

Videos

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Synopsis

This short video describes the natural carbon cycle with fun illustrations and details the ways in which humans have disrupted this cycle.
The video proposes ways to restore balance to the carbon cycle through solutions such as planting trees, responsible grazing practices, and carbon sequestration.

Subjects: Science

Authors: Vox

Region: Global

Languages: English

Positives

This video concisely explains the natural carbon cycle and ways it has been disrupted by humans.
The illustrations that describe the cycling processes are very helpful in visualizing complex science concepts such as photosynthesis, carbon sequestration, deposition, and marine carbon dioxide absorption.

Prerequisites

Students should be familiar with the process of photosynthesis and the concept of carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.

Differentiation & Implementation

The carbon cycle is described quickly but elegantly in this video, so consider pausing the video at different stages in the process to ensure students understand how carbon is moving throughout different Earth systems.
Not all solutions for reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are discussed, so consider having students research and illustrate different solutions than were not mentioned in the video.
Students could explore this interactive carbon cycle diagram and read this digital textbook on the carbon cycle and climate.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.