Grade 6: Following the Carbon Cycle in Science
Sixth graders are putting their creative writing skills to work in science class, where they are learning about the carbon cycle with Mr. Aaron Murray. The goal, he says, is the make the carbon cycle interesting and bring the scientific concepts to life.
Sixth graders are putting their creative writing skills to work in science class, where they are learning about the carbon cycle with Mr. Aaron Murray. The goal, he says, is the make the carbon cycle interesting and bring the scientific concepts to life.
Students got started outlining their stories that tell how an atom of carbon might travel through the carbon cycle. The carbon cycle is how carbon compounds are converted from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or ocean into carbohydrates in plants or algae through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and the burning of fossil fuels. The assignment requires research, vocabulary skills and creativity to develop the fiction tale into an electronic presentation, iBook, physical book or comic book complete with illustrations.
Sophia Safieddine's concept has her atom traveling all over the world and involves animals like a horse, deer and tiger. "The most challenging part is determining how to make the atom travel logically through all the phases," she says.
Her classmate, Cash Austin, has already titled his story, "Atom, Eve and Carbon." He is excited to incorporate historical elements into his story.
"I could have just given students a diagram to memorize," says Mr. Murray, "but when they have to manipulate the facts and use the vocabulary in a creative way, it helps the information sink in."
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Students got started outlining their stories that tell how an atom of carbon might travel through the carbon cycle. The carbon cycle is how carbon compounds are converted from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or ocean into carbohydrates in plants or algae through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and the burning of fossil fuels. The assignment requires research, vocabulary skills and creativity to develop the fiction tale into an electronic presentation, iBook, physical book or comic book complete with illustrations.
Sophia Safieddine's concept has her atom traveling all over the world and involves animals like a horse, deer and tiger. "The most challenging part is determining how to make the atom travel logically through all the phases," she says.
Her classmate, Cash Austin, has already titled his story, "Atom, Eve and Carbon." He is excited to incorporate historical elements into his story.
"I could have just given students a diagram to memorize," says Mr. Murray, "but when they have to manipulate the facts and use the vocabulary in a creative way, it helps the information sink in."
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
