Carbon Cycle Lab

(Creating an Aquatic Ecosystem with Snails and Elodea)

Living things need certain nutrients in order to continue living. For example, animals need oxygen, water, and other compounds. Plants require carbon dioxide, water, and other compounds as well. Elements such as oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous, move through the biosphere and may be used over and over again. The process by which each element is recycled is called a biogeochemical cycle. For example, during photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are taken in by plants. Molecules of water are split, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Many organisms use the oxygen in the atmosphere in order to stay alive. In return, the organisms release carbon in order for the plants to use it again during photosynthesis; thus, a Carbon Cycle is created.

If in a closed system, a snail is provided water and an aquatic plant to represent interdependence,

then an understanding of the carbon cycle will result.