Using radiocarbon carbon dioxide data
In this activity, students interpret graphs from a long-term study of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of New Zealand. They explore how the interval between samples affects the conclusions we are able to make.
Using radiocarbon carbon dioxide data
Students interpret graphs from a long-term study of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of New Zealand.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
draw and/or interpret simple line graphs
think critically about the information data and graphs can provide
understand the need for the careful planning of experiments
understand long-term changes in radiocarbon carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background
what you need
what to do
discussion questions
student worksheets.
Related content
Read about Carbon – life’s framework element and then discover more about the exchange of carbon dioxide between the ocean and the atmosphere in the articles Carbon dioxide in the ocean and Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Drive it Down! – a context for learning curates resources about the global and urban carbon cycles for younger learners. The resources include key terms and kuputaka and card games.
Activity ideas
Carbon cycle – three-level reading guide – read about the carbon cycle using a three-level reading guide.
Carbon dioxide emissions calculator – use this online calculator to calculate and compare the amount of CO2 produced by different energy sources.
Carbon cycle quiz – uses the interactive carbon cycle diagram to explore the global carbon cycle and to answer questions in an online or paper-based quiz.
Pinterest board
See our carbon cycle Pinterest board with links to a range of supporting resources.
