Science Worksheet · Grades 6–8
The Carbon Cycle Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 6-8 on the carbon cycle. Students match clues to photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion, then answer four short-response questions about how carbon moves through nature. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 6–8
Skill Focus
The Carbon Cycle, cycles in nature
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Carbon is found in every living thing and in the air as carbon dioxide. The carbon cycle moves carbon between the air, living things, and the earth through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion. This worksheet helps students name each process and tell how it adds or removes carbon dioxide.
Section A on page 1 gives eight clues, and students write the carbon-cycle term each one describes. The reference box names the processes and explains how plants store carbon and how it returns to the air.
Section B on page 2 asks how plants take carbon out of the air, two ways carbon returns to the air, what fossil fuels are, and why the cycle matters. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The worksheet pairs well with the Nitrogen Cycle and Water Cycle worksheets.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and trace carbon from the air into plants and back.
Complete Section A independently – have students match each clue to one process.
Discuss how photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide while respiration, decomposition, and combustion return it.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check.
Pair with the Nitrogen Cycle Worksheet or the Water Cycle Worksheet.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
The Carbon Cycle Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 6-8 on the carbon cycle. Students match clues to photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion, then answer four short-response questions about how carbon moves through nature. A complete answer key is included.
This is a Full Member resource
Unlock this worksheet — plus 1,000+ printable worksheets with answer keys across every subject and grade K–12. Just $29.99/year, cancel anytime.
See membership options →Keep Exploring Science
Related Worksheets
More for Grades 6–8Cell Division Worksheet · Cellular Respiration Worksheet · Genetics and Heredity Worksheet · Natural Selection Worksheet · Newton’s Laws of Motion Worksheet · Plate Tectonics Worksheet