Bob Bullock State History Museum Field Experience

Modifying the Carbon Cycle

Source: Lyra Kalish

Time: 45 minutes

After viewing exhibits on deforestation and oil in Texas (3rd floor), have students diagram the carbon cycle. Diagrams should show how it has been modified and explain the effects of both industries (oil and forestry) on the carbon cycle and the surrounding environment.

Discussion questions:

1. Has air quality in Texas been impacted by the removal of trees? Explain.

2. Describe three different ways that human activity has modified the carbon cycle.

3. Imagine that a large oil deposit has recently been discovered in Texas. Predict changes that might occur in the carbon cycle as a result of this new oil strike.

TEKS: 8.6, 8.10, 8.12
TAKS Objectives: 2, 3, 4, 5

Pre-Visit Suggestion

Students will explore how oil is made and review the carbon cycle. More »

Post-Visit Suggestion

Carbon Cycle Cut-and-Paste: A cut and paste game to assess understanding of the carbon cycle. More »