Cycling of Matter and Energy

The performance expectations in Topic 1: Cycling of Matter and Energy help students answer the question: 

How do matter and energy move through an ecosystem?

Students construct explanations, develop models, and use mathematical representations to demonstrate how the cycling of carbon-based molecules through photosynthesis and cellular respiration enables the flow of energy among organisms and within ecosystems. Students use quantitative models specifically to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration as two processes by which carbon is cycled among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Students who demonstrate understanding can:

• LS1-5: Use a model to illustrate how photosynthesis transforms light energy into stored chemical energy

• LS1-7: Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed resulting in a net transfer of energy

• LS2-3: Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions

• LS2-4: Use mathematical representations to support claims for the cycling of matter and flow of energy among organisms in an ecosystem

• LS2-5: Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere

• ESS2-6: Develop a quantitative model to describe the cycling of carbon among the hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere