A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively
engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.
You may save this Learning Activity to your hard drive as an .html file by
selecting “File”,then “Save As” from your browser’s
pull down menu. The file name extension must be .html.
Phase:
During/Explore/Explain
Activity:
1. The students will need a blank sheet of paper and a pencil. Students may also use colored pencils/pens/crayons/markers to add color to their model if desired.
3. The students should begin by writing the three facts about the nitrogen cycle at the top of their paper. Then, the students should turn their paper sideways (landscape orientation) for the rest of the presentation.
4. The teacher should use the interactive presentation to explain the steps of the nitrogen cycle. As the teacher presents the information, the students should draw the model on their paper. The teacher should be sure to encourage students to add additional notes or other important ideas to the diagram.
Note: The teacher should be sure to thoroughly explain to students what to draw, while also explaining the scientific concepts related to the nitrogen cycle. The teacher should feel free to add to and expand upon the basic explanation of the nitrogen cycle depicted in the slide show.
Example script: "First, draw a line going across the middle of your paper. Color everything below this line brown and add some green grass on top. This represents the rocks of Earth's crust. Now, draw the sun and a few clouds. These items show that the nitrogen cycle is a natural process that happens within the geosphere and atmosphere. Now, write the note 'Nitrogen is in our atmosphere'. This step is where we will begin our discussion of the nitrogen cycle, although it truly has no 'beginning' or 'end'."
5. Review the "Takeaway Points" with students to reiterate the key vocabulary words and ideas related to the nitrogen cycle.
Assessment Strategies:
On the back of the paper with students' models, have students write the role that each of these items plays in the nitrogen cycle:
animals
plants
bacteria
lightning
decomposers
For example, students may write that lightning changes nitrogen gas into a form that can be used.
The teacher should collect students' papers to assess their model created during the activity. The final response will allow the teacher to assess students' understanding of the model.
Advanced Preparation:
The teacher will need internet access and the ability to project the presentation.
Each student will need at least one sheet of paper (notebook or blank white paper). Students will need a pencil. If desired, students can add color to their diagram with colored pencils/pens/crayons/markers.
Variation Tips (optional):
Notes or Recommendations (optional):
I would recommend teaching the water cycle and the carbon cycle prior to teaching the nitrogen cycle. A learning activity related to the carbon cycle is available here: Let's Talk About the Carbon Cycle.
Because nitrogen is an invisible gas and one that many students have never heard of, having a basic understanding of a more concrete and familiar biogeochemical cycle, like the water cycle, can be helpful.