English National Curriculum - Science

The carbon cycle

Mission Objectives

Define the equations for photosynthesis and respiration

Explain the processes of photosynthesis, respiration and combustion

Explain why the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is rising, and why this is an issue

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

carbon

central element in the carbon cycle and involved in various processes like photosynthesis, respiration and combustion

decomposers

organisms that break down dead plants and animals, returning carbon to the atmosphere

respiration

the process by which animals and plants release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere

fossil fuels

carbon-rich resources formed from dead plants and animals over millions of years, which release CO₂ when burned

photosynthesis

the process by which plants and algae remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, converting it into carbohydrates

This lesson has been written by

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator whose current work centres on curriculum design and professional development, supporting teachers to deliver high-quality science education through evidence-informed approaches. She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and has worked as an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and what students need to succeed.

Samantha has written the complete KS4 Science curriculum, fully aligned with the AQA GCSE Science: Trilogy specification. Covering biology, chemistry and physics, the curriculum is carefully sequenced so that students build knowledge cumulatively and see clear connections between concepts across the three sciences. Drawing on her experience as an examiner and on research into effective teaching, she has designed it to embed retrieval practice, clear explanation, worked examples and the required practicals throughout, preparing students for the demands of the GCSE exams. Grounded in the realities of the classroom, the curriculum is rigorous for students and manageable for busy teachers.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

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