HS-LS2-5 | The Carbon Cycle

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Develop a model to illustrate the role of various processes in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Clarification statement: Examples of models could include simulations, diagrams, and mathematical models of the carbon cycle (photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion).

Assessment boundary: Assessment does not include the specific chemical steps of photosynthesis and respiration.

Assessment

What assessment of HS-LS2-5 might look like on a NY state exam.

Exam Cluster Question
August 2026 Deep-Sea Dilemmas Question 5
The Permafrost Problem Question 45
June 2026 Fossil Fuels: Out of Sight, but Not Out of Mind Question 23
August 2025 Carbon Cycle Supports Life on Earth Question 20
Carbon Cycle Supports Life on Earth Question 21
June 2025 Carbon! Where Does It Come From? Where Does It Go? Question 2
Sample clusters (Fall 2024) Old Forest Question 1

Performance Level Descriptions

PLDs communicate the knowledge and skills expected of students to demonstrate proficiency in each Learning Standard. NYS assessments classify student performance into one of five levels.

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Level 1: Use a model to identify one process involved in the cycling of carbon between two of Earths spheres.
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Level 2: Use a model to describe the role of one process involved in the cycling of carbon between two of Earths spheres.
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Level 3: Complete or use a model to provide evidence that supports the cycling of carbon between at least two spheres (biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and/or geosphere.)
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Level 4: Develop a model to illustrate the role of various processes in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
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Level 5: Develop and revise a model to predict the impact of changing a particular characteristic of a system on the various processes in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Vocabulary

Terms from the Biology Glossary that come from this standard or from the released exam questions that assess it.

From this standard
  • atmosphere
  • biosphere
  • carbon
  • carbon cycle
  • cellular respiration
  • chemical process
  • combustion
  • cycling of carbon
  • decomposition
  • Earth’s spheres
  • ecosystem
  • energy transfer
  • geosphere
  • hydrosphere
  • matter
  • photosynthesis
  • respiration
  • solar energy
  • system model
From released exam questions
Implied by this standard
  • decomposer – implied by "decomposition"

Resources

Examples and discussion of resources for the learning, teaching, and assessment of HS-LS2-5.

Pixel beaver This section could be expanded upon. You can help out by adding to this section.


NGSS Dimensions

Performance expectation HS-LS2-5 was developed using the following elements from the NRC document A Framework for K-12 Science Education:

Science and Engineering Practices
  • Developing and Using Models
    • Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the relationships between systems or components of a system.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
  • LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
    • (NYSED) Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are important components of the carbon cycle, in which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere through chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes.
  • PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes
    • The main way that solar energy is captured and stored on Earth is through the complex chemical process known as photosynthesis
Crosscutting Concepts
  • Systems and System Model
    • Models (e.g., physical, mathematical, computer models) can be used to simulate systems and interactions – including energy, matter, and information flows – within and between systems at different scales.
Page contributors: Conrad Richman, Caroline Leonard
Biology | HS. Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems
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