Download Carbon Dioxide Oxygen Cycle

Grade 5
Science
Unit: 09 Lesson: 01
Carbon Dioxide – Oxygen Cycle
Plants are producers. This means they make food through the process of
photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants chemically transform the energy from
the Sun into food. Plants use carbon dioxide and water to make their food. This
process takes place in the green chlorophyll in the leaves. Carbon dioxide enters the
plant through the leaves. Water enters the plant through the roots. Plants release
oxygen into the atmosphere as part of the process of photosynthesis. Plants make, or
produce, their own food.
The process of releasing energy from food is called respiration. Respiration has two
different meanings. A commonly used synonym for respiration is breathing. In
science, respiration refers to the process of combining food with oxygen to release
energy; this is not breathing. Almost all living organisms release energy from food in
the process of respiration. In addition to energy, respiration makes carbon dioxide
and water. The carbon dioxide produced in respiration is used in photosynthesis.
Consumers and decomposers release carbon dioxide during respiration.
This is the carbon dioxide - oxygen cycle.
Carbon Dioxide
After reading the selection, cut apart the statements below and put them in order to
form a cycle.
Oxygen
Carbon dioxide is used by plants.
Oxygen is given off by plants.
Carbon dioxide is given off by decomposers.
Carbon dioxide is given off by animals.
Oxygen is used by animals.
Carbon dioxide from respiration is available to plants.
©2012, TESCCC
05/03/13
page 1 of 2
Grade 5
Science
Unit: 09 Lesson: 01
Oxygen from photosynthesis is available to animals.
Images courtesy of Clip Art
©2012, TESCCC
05/03/13
page 2 of 2