Carbon Cycle Simulator

Trace carbon atoms through Earth's reservoirs | MS-ESS3-4, MS-PS1-5

How to Use This Simulation

Adjust the controls to change simulation variables
Click Start to run Carbon Cycle Simulator - G7 C4 W3
Observe the results in the display area
Click Reset to try different settings
Complete the Predict-Observe-Explain section below

Keyboard: Space/Enter = start/pause · R = reset · Esc = pause

Atmosphere

850

Gt C

—

Biosphere

2000

Gt C

—

Ocean

38000

Gt C

—

Fossil Fuels

4000

Gt C

—

Year: 2024

ATMOSPHERE 850 Gt

BIOSPHERE 2000 Gt

OCEAN 38000 Gt

FOSSIL FUELS 4000 Gt

Photosynthesis ↓

Respiration ↑

Combustion ↑

Ocean absorbs ↓

Scenarios

Simulation Speed

🔬 Conservation of Mass

Watch how carbon atoms move between reservoirs. The TOTAL carbon on Earth never changes — it just moves from one place to another. When we burn fossil fuels, we're moving carbon that was stored underground for millions of years back into the atmosphere. The atoms aren't created or destroyed — they're just relocated!

Total Carbon: 44,850 Gt (This number should NEVER change — that's conservation of mass!)

Data Journal — Record & Analyze Your Experiments

My prediction for speedslider:

#	SpeedSlider	Observation

Record Your Observations

As you explore Carbon Cycle G7 C4 W3, record what you notice:

Starting conditions: What are the initial settings?
Changes: What happens when you adjust the variables?
Patterns: Do you notice any patterns or relationships?
Evidence: What specific data supports your observations?

Predict • Observe • Explain

Predict

Before running the simulation, predict: what do you think will happen to Carbon Cycle G7 C4 W3 when you change the variables?

Observe

Run the simulation with different settings. Record the patterns and relationships you see.

Explain

Compare your observations with your prediction. Use scientific vocabulary to explain why Carbon Cycle G7 C4 W3 behaves this way.

Key Concepts

Variables

Changing one variable while controlling others helps us isolate cause and effect in Carbon Cycle - G7 C4 W3.

Patterns

Look for repeatable patterns in the data — they reveal the underlying scientific principles.

Models

This simulation is a model — a simplified representation that helps us understand Carbon Cycle - G7 C4 W3.

Scenarios

🔬 Conservation of Mass

📋 Record Your Observations

Predict • Observe • Explain

Predict

Observe

Explain

Key Concepts

Record Your Observations