The carbon cycle is an important concept for elementary learners in the Montessori science curriculum. It focuses on studying plants, animals, and the environment.
Our set of materials, The Carbon Cycle (6-9), is a Montessori-aligned set that describes the movement of carbon through the Earth’s atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), lithosphere (land), and biosphere (living things). It is an essential part of the Earth’s ecosystem, and it is important for elementary learners to understand how it works.
The Carbon Cycle puzzle is a great way to teach children about the importance of this complex process. The puzzle comprises movable parts, wooden arrows, and a control chart. It can be used with our corresponding nomenclature cards, which describe the different parts of the cycle: carbon dioxide, photosynthesis, factory emissions, plant respiration, animal respiration, decomposition, fossil fuels, and organic carbon.
Materials
- The Carbon Cycle Puzzle with Nomenclature Cards (6-9) (Printed)
- The Carbon Cycle Puzzle
- The Carbon Cycle Nomenclature Cards (6-9) (Printed)
related materials:
- The Carbon Cycle Puzzle with Nomenclature Cards (3-6) (Printed)
- The Carbon Cycle Nomenclature Cards (3-6) (Printed)
- Carbon and Its Forms – Complete Set
- Carbon and Its Forms Supplement Materials
Why Use a Puzzle and Nomenclature Cards?
Our puzzle is a hands-on way for children to learn about the carbon cycle. This makes it more engaging and memorable than reading about it in a textbook. The puzzle helps children visualize the different parts of the cycle and how they interact. This can help them better understand the complex carbon cycle process. Our nomenclature cards contain age-appropriate vocabulary using language that will pique children’s curiosity instead of discouraging them from learning further information.
Our exclusive 6-part nomenclature cards allow learners to adapt the materials to their learning needs. For example, beginners will read description/label cards and match them to their corresponding picture cards. More experienced learners will align picture/label cards vertically to match their corresponding cloze test cards (fill in the blank) to them. This practice promotes independent learning and builds self-confidence.
The Nomenclature Cards are accompanied by supplemental materials such as a reproducible backline master copy. You may copy the diagram and invite learners to color and complete it. This can be their own copy of the puzzle content. In addition, the cards come with a reproducible workbook that can be used once learners have had sufficient practice with the nomenclature cards. The practice is similar to working with the nomenclature cards. Learners complete cloze test descriptions by writing the name of the process described and color the part described on a diagram above the description. This is another way for learners to have their own copy of the material.
In conclusion, The Carbon Cycle with Nomenclature Cards is a great way to introduce this concept to children and can be followed by other projects such as creating a model, researching carbon footprint, or creating a trifold presentation. You can also check out our materials on the Water Cycle for more exciting learning opportunities! Visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
