Industrialization & The Carbon Cycle Essay Assignment

You will write a 4 or 5-paragraph scientific essay explaining the connection between human industry, chemical reactions, and global climate change. You will end by discussing how activists are using science and law to fight back.

Essential Question: How does industrialization disrupt the carbon cycle?

Objective: Write a 4-paragraph scientific essay as outlined below.

Paragraph 1: Introduction (The Claim)

• Hook: Start with a general statement about the Carbon Cycle or the Industrial Revolution.
• Background: Briefly explain that carbon moves naturally between the earth and air, but humans have changed this balance.
• The Claim (Thesis Statement): Directly answer the Essential Question.
  • Sentence Starter: Use the starter from your organizer: "Industrialization disrupts the natural carbon cycle by [ACTION], resulting in [RESULT 1] and [RESULT 2]."

Paragraph 2: The Chemistry of the Problem (Reasoning Question 1 and 2 ) Focus: How did the carbon get into the air?

• Explain how the natural carbon cycle works and what has changed after industrialization. Including at least 3 key chemical reactions
• What is conservation of matter and how does it help you explain where the carbon atoms in fossil fuel go after combustion.
• Connection: Conclude this paragraph by stating that we have transferred massive amounts of carbon from the Geosphere (ground) to the Atmosphere (air).

Paragraph 3: The Evidence & Environmental Impact (Evidence + Reasoning Part B) Focus: What is the proof, and how does the damage happen?

• The Evidence: Provide at least two pieces of specific data from your research (Track A).
  • Drafting Tip: Use numbers! (e.g., "Data from Los Angeles shows..." or "Average U.S. temperatures have risen by...").
• The Reasoning: Explain how this extra CO₂ changes the climate.
  • Requirement: Explain the Greenhouse Effect. (How does CO₂ interact with heat/sunlight?).
• The Consequence: Connect the heat to the specific damage.
  • Choose one: Explain how heat leads to Sea Level Rise (thermal expansion/melting) OR Drought/Wildfire (evaporation rates).

Paragraph 4: Conclusion & Activism (The Solution) Focus: The "So What?"

• The Shift: Summarize your main argument—that we have disrupted a natural cycle.
• The Action: Discuss the "Action and Activism" source you researched (Track B).
  • Requirement: Who is fighting back? (e.g., Held v. Montana, Greta Thunberg). What "power" are they using (Law, Media, Science)?
• Future Outlook: End with a strong statement. Why does this fight matter for the future of the carbon cycle?