1. Plants use CO₂ in the process of photosynthesis to make glucose and oxygen.
2. Animals use oxygen in the process of respiration and make more CO₂.
3. The ocean is the main regulator of CO₂ in the atmosphere because CO₂ dissolves easily in it.
4. In the past, large deposits of carbon were stored as dead plants and animals.
5. Today these deposits are burned as fossil fuels, which include coal, oil, and natural gas.
6. More CO₂ is released in the atmosphere today than in the past because of burning of fossil fuels.
7. Another natural source for CO₂ is volcanoes.
8. Too much CO₂ in the atmosphere may be responsible for the greenhouse effect.
9. The equation for photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
10. A simple diagram of the Carbon Cycle using the words in the text box above:
[Plants (photosynthesis) ↔ Atmosphere (CO₂)]
[Animals (respiration) ↔ Atmosphere (CO₂)]
[Fossil Fuels (burning) → Atmosphere (CO₂)]
[Ocean (dissolves CO₂) ↔ Atmosphere (CO₂)]
[Volcanoes (release CO₂) → Atmosphere (CO₂)]
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of integrated science cycles worksheet.
