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Grades 9-12. Students study the effects of plant photosynthesis and animal respiration on carbon dioxide concentrations in a closed system using a bromthymol blue solution. In this 4-day lab exercise, students formulate and test a hypothesis around how plants and animals recycle carbon in an ecosystem. Then, students simulate the burning of fossil fuels by adding carbon dioxide to the ecosystem and observing the effects. Kit accommodates a class of 30 students working in 10 groups of 3.

Create and refine a small-scale model of the carbon cycle in a closed freshwater system by collecting evidence about plants and animals and their interactions, in daylight and dark environments.

PE: HS-LS2-5
Related PE: HS-LS2-3
Time Requirement: 3 45-minute Class Periods

SEP: Developing and Using Models
CCC: Systems and System Models
DCI: LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems

Grades 9-12.

• Understand and describe how photosynthesis and respiration contribute to the carbon biogeochemical cycle
• Observe carbon cycling between plants and animals in a closed system
• Model fossil fuel burning and observe the effects on the carbon biogeochemical system

Students study the effects of plant photosynthesis and animal respiration on carbon dioxide concentrations in a closed system using a bromthymol blue solution. In this 4-day lab exercise, students formulate and test a hypothesis around how plants and animals recycle carbon in an ecosystem. Then, students simulate the burning of fossil fuels by adding carbon dioxide to the ecosystem and observing the effects. Kit accommodates a class of 30 students working in 10 groups of 3; available with the perishable materials included or with a voucher to request the perishable materials later at your convenience. Contact us or return the voucher at least 2 weeks prior to requested delivery date to ensure prompt arrival of material.