Carbon in the Oceans
This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Peer Reviewed Teaching Activities collection.
HideSummary
In this assignment, students in small groups are asked to interpret and explain a figure depicting one aspect of marine carbon biogeochemistry. Then a representative of each group explains the figure to the class.
Collapse
Context
Audience
It is an undergraduate mid-level course in Biogeochemistry, offered jointly to students majoring in Environmental Studies or Geology.
Skills and concepts that students must have mastered
Interpreting scientific figures
Understanding the major processes in the global carbon cycle
A preliminary understanding of marine science
Understanding the major processes in the global carbon cycle
A preliminary understanding of marine science
How the activity is situated in the course
As a stand-alone exercise to break up the endless series of professor-led lectures
Goals
Content/concepts goals for this activity
Understand how anthropogenic activities have affected ocean biogeochemistry
Understand the major controls on carbon cycling in the oceans
Understand the major controls on carbon cycling in the oceans
Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity
Analysis of data
Interpretation of scientific figures
Integration of physical, biological, and chemical concepts
Interpretation of scientific figures
Integration of physical, biological, and chemical concepts
Other skills goals for this activity
Oral presentation
Working in groups
Working in groups
Description and Teaching Materials
There is one item attached: a document with a series of worksheets. One sheet for each group.
C in the Oceans Exercise (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 1.5MB Apr29 13)Teaching Notes and Tips
Assessment
Each student who participates gets a participation point. The instructor and other students will give feedback on each group's presentation.
References and Resources
Our text book is Global Environment: Water, Air, and Geochemical Cycles by Berner and Berner (2nd ed).