Dust to Dust

The Carbon Cycle

Co Authors:	Jennifer Y. Anderson Health Science / Nursing Brookdale Community College jyanderson1@mail.brookdalecc.edu Diane R. Wang Biology, Plant Breeding and Genetics Cornell University drw44@cornell.edu Ling Chen Science Department Borough of Manhattan Community College / City University of New York lchen@bmcc.cuny.edu
Abstract:	Tom and his grandfather, a retired high school chemistry teacher, are talking about a National Geographic television documentary titled “Waking the Baby Mammoth.” As students read the dialogue that ensues, they learn how carbon, an essential element of life, is transformed from carbon dioxide to carbohydrate to animals, then back to carbon dioxide. The case emphasizes a number of chemistry concepts, including atomic structures, carbon isotopes, radiocarbon dating, beta decay, half-life, and photosynthesis. Developed as a supplement to the nuclear chemistry chapter in a non-majors general chemistry course, the case could also be used in an introductory botany, paleobiology, plant, or general ecology course after students have completed at least one semester of general chemistry.
Objectives:	Emphasize the importance of photosynthesis to animals on earth. Highlight the concept that carbon is the building block of all living organisms. Reinforce atomic structure: subatomic particles (protons, neutrons and electrons). Enhance the concepts of radioactive isotope, radiation, and beta decay. Provide practice in balancing nuclear equations. Apply the concept of half-life to the carbon dating technique.
Keywords:	Carbon; carbon dioxide; C-14; carbon isotope; atomic structure; radiocarbon dating; beta decay; half-life; photosynthesis; nuclear chemistry
Topical Area:	N/A
Educational Level:	High school; Undergraduate lower division
Formats:	PDF
Type/Method:	Directed, Discussion
Language:	English
Subject Headings:	Chemistry (General) Biology (General) Ecology Botany / Plant Science
Date Posted:	02/24/10
Date Modified:	N/A
Copyright:	Copyright held by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Please see our usage guidelines, which outline our policy concerning permissible reproduction of this work.

Teaching Notes

Case teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience and how the case may be taught, a case analysis or answer key, and references.

Download Teaching Notes

Answer Key

Answer keys provide answers to the questions posed in a case study. Since these questions are intended to be answered by students and are often graded, answer keys are password-protected and access to them is limited to registered instructors.

Name:
Email:
Department:
Institution:
City State:
Comments:
	Enter Security Code:

Username
Password

	Register \| Lost Your Password?