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Teaching pack · Year 9 Earth and space sciencesseegongsik /au

The Carbon Cycle: a full term of science

Ten ready-to-teach lessons for Year 9 Earth and space sciences. Print this pack and the term is prepared: every lesson has a plan, talk prompts, a student worksheet, cards or tickets, and answers.

AC9S9U03
represent the carbon cycle and examine how key processes including combustion, photosynthesis and respiration rely on interactions between Earth’s spheres (the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere)

Start here: five minutes to Monday

  1. Skim the term at a glance on the next page.
  2. Print the lesson you need (plan, worksheet, cards).
  3. Gather everyday items under You need on the plan.
  4. Open the free interactive unit on your board.
  5. Teach from the plan: timings, prompts and answers are on one page.

No science background needed

Written for the busy generalist teacher. Plain words, common muddles, and model answers are on every plan. Safety: no open flames or boiling water unless an adult controls a warm-water step named on the plan.

On the board
This pack is the printable half of a free interactive unit. On-screen pictures include: “Photosynthesis: air into plants”, “Respiration and combustion: back to the air”, “Follow a carbon atom around the cycle”, “Which two spheres does each process link?”, “Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants”. Lesson plans name which picture to show.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03
Aligned to the Australian Curriculum V9 (AC9S9U03). Original material from seegongsik, not endorsed by ACARA. Descriptors (c) ACARA, CC BY 4.0. Free to print and use in class.
Term at a glance10 lessons

The term at a glance

One lesson a week for a term. Run in order where you can.

#LessonChildren learn and doOn screen
1Photosynthesis: air into plantsExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workPhotosynthesis: air into plants
2Respiration and combustion: back to the airExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workRespiration and combustion: back to the air
3Follow a carbon atom around the cycleExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workFollow a carbon atom around the cycle
4Which two spheres does each process link?Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workWhich two spheres does each process link?
5Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plantsExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workPhotosynthesis: air into plants
6Deeper look: Respiration and combustion: back to the airExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workRespiration and combustion: back to the air
7Deeper look: Follow a carbon atom around the cycleExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workFollow a carbon atom around the cycle
8Deeper look: Which two spheres does each process link?Explore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workWhich two spheres does each process link?
9Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plantsExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workPhotosynthesis: air into plants
10Show what we knowExplore the idea with talk, board and hands-on workThe Carbon Cycle

Curriculum links (Australian Curriculum V9)

The term teaches AC9S9U03. Lessons also work these Inquiry and Human Endeavour descriptors:

AC9S9I01develop investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses to test relationships and develop explanatory models
AC9S9I02plan and conduct valid, reproducible investigations to answer questions and test hypotheses, including identifying and controlling for possible sources of error and, as appropriate, developing and following risk assessments, considering ethical issues, and addressing key considerations regarding heritage sites and artefacts on Country/Place
AC9S9I03select and use equipment to generate and record data with precision to obtain useful sample sizes and replicable data, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S9I04select and construct appropriate representations, including tables, graphs, descriptive statistics, models and mathematical relationships, to organise and process data and information
AC9S9I05analyse and connect a variety of data and information to identify and explain patterns, trends, relationships and anomalies
AC9S9I06assess the validity and reproducibility of methods and evaluate the validity of conclusions and claims, including by identifying assumptions, conflicting evidence and areas of uncertainty
AC9S9I07construct arguments based on analysis of a variety of evidence to support conclusions or evaluate claims, and consider any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with accessing, using or citing secondary data or information
AC9S9I08write and create texts to communicate ideas, findings and arguments effectively for identified purposes and audiences, including selection of appropriate content, language and text features, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S9H01explain how scientific knowledge is validated and refined, including the role of publication and peer review
AC9S9H02investigate how advances in technologies enable advances in science, and how science has contributed to developments in technologies and engineering
AC9S9H03analyse the key factors that contribute to science knowledge and practices being adopted more broadly by society
AC9S9H04examine how the values and needs of society influence the focus of scientific research

Assessment

Get ready · Materials for the termOne shopping trip

Materials for the whole term

One gathering session covers all ten lessons. Prefer classroom and home items. No science cupboard required. Adult handles any warm water.

LessonYou need
1everyday classroom items named on the Day 1 plan; interactive unit open
2everyday classroom items named on the Day 2 plan; interactive unit open
3everyday classroom items named on the Day 3 plan; interactive unit open
4everyday classroom items named on the Day 4 plan; interactive unit open
5everyday classroom items named on the Day 5 plan; interactive unit open
6everyday classroom items named on the Day 6 plan; interactive unit open
7everyday classroom items named on the Day 7 plan; interactive unit open
8everyday classroom items named on the Day 8 plan; interactive unit open
9everyday classroom items named on the Day 9 plan; interactive unit open
10everyday classroom items named on the Day 10 plan; interactive unit open

Safety in one look

Get ready · Assessment kitRubric + checklist

Assessment without extra work

Lesson plans carry look-fors. Lesson 10 is summative. Use this sheet for ongoing notes.

The three levels

IdeaWorking towardsAt standardBeyond
Big ideanames an example with helpexplains the unit idea in Year 9 wordsapplies the idea to a new example
Evidenceguess onlylinks a claim to something observed or measuredcompares two pieces of evidence
Science wordseveryday words onlyuses unit words correctlyexplains a word to a partner
Inquiry habitfollows steps with supportplans or records with the scaffoldsimproves a plan after a first try

Class observation checklist

NameIdeaEvidenceWords

A tick a lesson is plenty.

Word wall (cut out)

Word wall cards

Cut out and build the wall as words arrive across the term.

observe

notice with our senses

record

write or draw what we found

predict

a good guess with a reason

fair test

change one thing, keep the rest the same

evidence

what we measured or saw

pattern

something that happens again

property

a feature we can observe

force

a push or a pull

material

what something is made of

habitat

where a living thing lives

cycle

a pattern that goes round again

conclude

say what the evidence shows

A note home

Dear families

This term in science, Year 9 explores the carbon cycle. We use observation, simple tests and clear science words. Ask: What did you notice today? What evidence did you use?

Try this at home

Warm regards,

The Year 9 team

seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03/pack

Lesson 1 · Teacher planLesson 1 of 10

Photosynthesis: air into plants

Children explore “Photosynthesis: air into plants” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Photosynthesis: air into plants”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Photosynthesis: air into plants” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 1 · Worksheet

Photosynthesis: air into plants

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 1 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 2 · Teacher planLesson 2 of 10

Respiration and combustion: back to the air

Children explore “Respiration and combustion: back to the air” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Respiration and combustion: back to the air”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Respiration and combustion: back to the air” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 2 · Worksheet

Respiration and combustion: back to the air

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 2 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 3 · Teacher planLesson 3 of 10

Follow a carbon atom around the cycle

Children explore “Follow a carbon atom around the cycle” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Follow a carbon atom around the cycle”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Follow a carbon atom around the cycle” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 3 · Worksheet

Follow a carbon atom around the cycle

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 3 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 4 · Teacher planLesson 4 of 10

Which two spheres does each process link?

Children explore “Which two spheres does each process link?” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Which two spheres does each process link?”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Which two spheres does each process link?” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 4 · Worksheet

Which two spheres does each process link?

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 4 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 5 · Teacher planLesson 5 of 10

Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants

Children explore “Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 5 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 5 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 6 · Teacher planLesson 6 of 10

Deeper look: Respiration and combustion: back to the air

Children explore “Deeper look: Respiration and combustion: back to the air” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Respiration and combustion: back to the air”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Respiration and combustion: back to the air” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 6 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Respiration and combustion: back to the air

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 6 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 7 · Teacher planLesson 7 of 10

Deeper look: Follow a carbon atom around the cycle

Children explore “Deeper look: Follow a carbon atom around the cycle” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Follow a carbon atom around the cycle”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Follow a carbon atom around the cycle” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 7 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Follow a carbon atom around the cycle

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 7 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 8 · Teacher planLesson 8 of 10

Deeper look: Which two spheres does each process link?

Children explore “Deeper look: Which two spheres does each process link?” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Which two spheres does each process link?”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Which two spheres does each process link?” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 8 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Which two spheres does each process link?

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 8 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 9 · Teacher planLesson 9 of 10

Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants

Children explore “Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 9 · Worksheet

Deeper look: Photosynthesis: air into plants

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 9 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.

Lesson 10 · Teacher planLesson 10 of 10

Show what we know

Children explore “Show what we know” with talk, the board picture, and a short paper task. About 60 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions.

We are learning to

Success criteria

You need

Lesson flow (about 60 minutes)

10 minHook
Quick oral examples linked to the unit story.

Ask: What do you already know that might help today?

15 minOn the board
Open “Show what we know”. Step the controls while children predict.

Ask: What changed? What stayed the same?

20 minWorksheet
Children complete the sheet. Circulate for the muddles listed below.
15 minShare and exit
Two children share. Class finishes the exit sentence.

Ask: In one sentence, what was today’s idea?

Split point: after On the board. Session B is worksheet and share.

On the board
Leave “Show what we know” on screen for the main block. Match talk prompts to live button labels on the unit page.
seegongsik.com/au/y9/earth-and-space/AC9S9U03

Watch for

Make it easier, make it bigger

Answers and look-fors

Lesson 10 · Worksheet

Show what we know

NameClassDate

Use the board picture. Show your thinking with words or drawings.

1. Draw or write one example from the board.
2. What is the main idea in your words?
3. Make a second example of your own.
I know I am right because
I can teach this idea to a partner:Yes     No
Lesson 10 · Exit tickets (cut out)

Exit tickets

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Name _______________

Today I learned...

One piece of evidence was...

Look-for: a science idea plus something observed or measured.