Encyclopedia of Earth
Encyclopedia of Earth: Environmental Chemistry: Carbon Cycle
Article explaining the importance of carbon as the basis for life, carbon dioxide's role in photosynthesis and respiration, carbon in the ocean and lithosphere, the impact of human activities on the carbon cycle, carbon that seems to be...
![University of Wisconsin: Buckyballs [Pdf] Handout](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "University of Wisconsin: Buckyballs [Pdf] Handout")
Science is Fun
University of Wisconsin: Buckyballs [Pdf]
A detailed explanation of buckyballs, their discovery, properties, and current research. A good explanation of how they were originally discovered.
PBS
Nova Online: The Diamond Deception
A good overview of diamonds. Gives information on structure, properties, and origin. Includes models that can be rotated and examined in 3D. Also has activity for building your own carbon atom.
Center for Educational Technologies
Exploring the Environment: Global Climate Change
This tutorial looks at carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and how changes can impact wheat production in Kansas.
New York University
Mathmol Home Page: The Chemistry of Carbon
The basic properties of three allotropes of carbon are presented as downloadable models.
University of California
Uc Davis Geo Wiki: Chemical Budgets of Oceanic Elements
To the extent that the composition of the ocean remains constant, the rate at which any one element is introduced into seawater must equal the rate of its removal. A listing of the various routes of addition and removal, together with...
Simon Fraser University
Chem1 Virtual Textbook: Chemical Budgets of Oceanic Elements
As part of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook, this site examines a variety of topics related to the elements of the oceans. Topics covered include Phosphorus, Carbon, Bicarbonate, Calcite, and more.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Carbon
This article from Wikipedia contains great information on the element carbon. Links are provided throughout the article to provided additional information. The topics include: Notable Characteristics, Applications, History, Allotropes,...
Open Curriculum
Open Curriculum: Organic Compounds
A tutorial which explains why carbon is essential to life on Earth.
Other
Math and Science Activity Center: The Element Carbon
Allotropes of carbon are described, and 3D models that can be manipulated are included for diamond, carbon, and fullerenes.
Other
The Third Millenium Online: The Carbon Family
The five elements of the Carbon family are briefly discussed here, with links to further information about each.
Other
Wu St L Chemistry: Fullerene Science Module
An extremely complete overview of fullerene compounds. Oriented towards students.
McGraw Hill
Glencoe Biology: The Building Blocks of Life: Self Check Quiz
Try these five multiple-choice questions about the building blocks of life. The quiz is self-checking, and provides hints to the student if needed.
Other
The Buckyball: An Excruciatingly Researched Report
A very detailed summary of fullerenes, their discovery, and current uses. Details some current research and potential applications. Details on R. Buckminster Fuller.
US National Archives
Nara: A New Chemistry for Carbon
This National Archives and Records Administration site describes the discovery of fullerenes, a new allotrope of carbon. The chemical properties of fullerenes, their uses, and possible potential as catalysts or superconductors is mentioned.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Willard Libby Carbon Dating
Use this site to learn about radiocarbon dating and the scientist who discovered it, Willard Libby (1908-1980 CE).
Geography 4 kids
Geography4 kids.com: Carbon Cycle
The carbon cycle is featured because virtually all living organisms need carbon to survive.
NASA
Nasa: Climate Kids: What Is the Big Deal With Carbon?
An illustrated article highlighting the science behind carbon and fossil fuels. Diagrams and graphs help with understanding.
NASA
Nasa: Climate Kids: Gallery of Carbon's Travels
A collection of images which shows the effects of too much carbon in our atmosphere There are also some promising carbon-reducing images as well.
Scientific American
Scientific American: Scoring With Buckyballs
Buckyballs and nanotubes, two types of fullerenes, are being examined for potential in nanotechnology and nanoengineering.
Vision Learning
Visionlearning: Carbon Chemistry: An Introduction
A nice introduction to why carbon is the key to organic chemistry. Explains the role of valence electrons in the bonding of carbon and gives lots of "stick figures" models of simple hydrocarbons.
Mocomi & Anibrain Digital Technologies
Mocomi: What Is Carbon?
The element Carbon is the basis of all human life. Learn here about the discovery of Carbon and its function amongst all living things.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Biology: Significance of Carbon
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Covers the significance and functions of carbon.
Web Elements
Web Elements Periodic Table: Carbon
A very nice summary of key data on carbon, along with information of historical value and uses and applications of carbon compounds. Very helpful.