Nitrogen Cycle Lesson Plans

Students recognize that carbon cycles naturally through living and non-living parts of the Earth system in a complex and non-linear way. They study the carbon cycle through an online game.

Students design an artificial wetland for one semester and monitor their living machine in class. They will record their observations for further investigation.

Sixth graders create a KWL chart about microorganisms. For this biology lesson, 6th graders create and label a diagram on a microbial mat. They investigate the processes involved in the carbon, oxygen and sulfur cycles.

Students gain skill in the design, implementation, and reporting of a scientific research project using the scientific method. They set up an experiment to determine the effect of adding the Rhizobium bacteria to one group of legume seeds. Students plant seeds in containers containing vermiculite and after the seeds germinate, they take the pots home to continue the project.

Students become familiar with the carbon cycle, the greenhouse effect, and the various ways governments and their people are striving to minimize the negative affects of too much carbon.

Students illustrate the adaptation and co-evolution of organisms. They examine set up an experiment to determine the effect of adding the Rhizobium bacteria to a group of legume seeds.

Students research about the process of composting. Students apply their research by creating a compost pile at school that will be maintained once or twice a month for the remainder of the school year.

Students examine life cycles, food webs, and biomes. In this transfer of energy lesson, students use food webs to make a connection between predators and prey. Students study the different biomes found on Earth and make a connection between the food web they created and either the nitrogen or carbon cycle.

Fifth graders investigate evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. They observe a water cycle kit and record their observations, and examine how water condenses on the outside of a cup. Next, they observe an evaporation demonstration, and create a drawing of the major elements of the water cycle.

Students use their understanding of the water cycle to determine the potential impact by humans on naturally occurring changes in the water cycle. They apply this information in determining whether to build a "mega mall" in Bayville.