The carbon cycle is harder to understand than the water cycle. With the water cycle, we are always talking about the same molecule (H2O). In going through the water cycle, these H2O molecules change in their physical location and in their physical state (gas, liquid and solid). In the carbon cycle, the carbon atoms change not only in their physical condition but also in their chemistry.

Most descriptions of the carbon cycle tell us too little about it or too much about it. The carbon cycle on pages 38 and 39 of Dr. Art's Guide to Planet Earth give us just the right amount of information. But I guess you will have to get the book in order to know if I am telling the truth.

Check out THE CARBON CYCLE activity that you can do at home, in community centers, or in school!