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Interdependence
Topic (23) Develop a model about cycling of carbon between the four major spheres. (HS-LS2-5)
In biology, students discover there is a great deal of interdependence between plants and animals. Inter- means “between,” so interdependence is dependence between things. Scientists often use interdependence to describe complex systems. This interdependence (between living things) happens in the biosphere. But some elements (carbon, in this instance) is cycled between the “four spheres” of earth. Carbon is crucial to life.
The four spheres are:
- Geosphere
- Hydrosphere
- Atmosphere
- Biosphere
Example: Carbon enters the geosphere through the biosphere when dead organic matter (such as peat or marine algae) becomes incorporated into fossil fuels like coal and organic-matter-rich oil and gas source rocks, and when shells of calcium carbonate become limestone through the process of sedimentation briefly described above.
Material
Day 1 – Introduction
- Student Work Packet – Topic 23
Day 2 – Virtual Textbook
- Read Biology 23 – Interdependence intro
- Read Biology 23 – Interdependence advanced
- Read Biology 23 – Four Major Spheres of Earth
- Read Biology Textbook – pages 384-395
- Launch cK12 – Interdependence of Living Things (pdf)
Enrichment
- Write a letter – Interdependence of Living Things (pdf)
- Write a letter – Interdependence of Living Things OK standards (pdf)
3:52 Teaching About Interdependence
5:10 Food Chains ,Food Webs,Energy Pyramid in Ecosystems-Video for Kids
2:36 4 spheres of the earth
Compare Contrast and Debate
Debate/Opinion: Research concepts of “carbon capture.” Select an opinion about (1) whether to do this … and if so (2) how? Defend your position.
Instructor Resources
Standard Daily Material
- Day 1 – Standard material – introduction day
- Day 2 – Standard material – reading day
- Day 3 – Standard material – make a presentation
- Day 4 – Standard material – give a presentation
- Extra! – Enrichment and remediation options
Other Topic Specific Resources
- Write a letter – Interdependence of Living Things (pdf)
- Write a letter – Interdependence of Living Things OK standards (pdf)
- Launch cK12 – Interdependence of Living Things (pdf)
- Distribute LS23 – Aquatic Food Webs.tns
- Distribute LS23 – Bellringer Cycling of Matter and Energy.tnsp
- Distribute LS23 – Predator Prey Relationships.tnsp
Special Notes and Notices
Instructor Emphasis:
- Science & Engineering Practice: Use mathematical and computational thinking.
- Cross-Cutting Concept: Energy and Matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation.
Emphasize HS-LS2-5 Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
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