The Nitrogen Cycle
Activity 1
Nitrogen Fixation is the process of trapping nitrogen in in living things. Read the Bitesize introduction to the nitrogen cycle [http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/21c/food/naturalpolymersrev3.shtml] to find out about how this process fits into the Nitrogen cycle.
1. Why do plants and animals need nitrogen?
2. Why can't they breathe it in from the atmosphere?
3. Which of the three types of nitrogen fixation do you think is most common? Why?
4. How does nitrogen get into the soil?
5. How does it get back into the air?
Activity 2
Watch the animation from the University of Alberta [http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/facilities/multimedia/uploads/ecology/ncycle.html]. This animation focuses on the process inveloved in the nitrogen cycle. Place the following processes in order
werite aned upload sequencing task
Nitrogen Fixation is the process of trapping nitrogen in in living things. Read the Bitesize introduction to the nitrogen cycle [http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/21c/food/naturalpolymersrev3.shtml] to find out about how this process fits into the Nitrogen cycle.
1. Why do plants and animals need nitrogen?
2. Why can't they breathe it in from the atmosphere?
3. Which of the three types of nitrogen fixation do you think is most common? Why?
4. How does nitrogen get into the soil?
5. How does it get back into the air?
Activity 2
Watch the animation from the University of Alberta [http://www.biology.ualberta.ca/facilities/multimedia/uploads/ecology/ncycle.html]. This animation focuses on the process inveloved in the nitrogen cycle. Place the following processes in order
werite aned upload sequencing task
If you're having trouble understanding the nitrogen cycle watch the cartoon of two people discussing the nitrogen cycle at [http://goanimate.com/movie/0mCCXZQGW0U0]. This is a primary school resource, so it doesn't have all the stages, but it is a good starting point it you are confused.
Extension:Watch the more complex animated powerpoint on [http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/ro/vrosite.nsf/pages/soilhealth_nitrogen-cycle] or [http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/tlw3/eBridge/Chp29/animations/ch29/1_nitrogen_cycle.swf ]
1. How many different cycles could a nitrogen molecule pass through?
2. How has human intervention changed the cycle?
3. If you are interested in Chemistry - try reading pages 1 and 2 of the bitesize introduction (you already read page 3) and testing your self on the testbites link.
Extension:Watch the more complex animated powerpoint on [http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/ro/vrosite.nsf/pages/soilhealth_nitrogen-cycle] or [http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/tlw3/eBridge/Chp29/animations/ch29/1_nitrogen_cycle.swf ]
1. How many different cycles could a nitrogen molecule pass through?
2. How has human intervention changed the cycle?
3. If you are interested in Chemistry - try reading pages 1 and 2 of the bitesize introduction (you already read page 3) and testing your self on the testbites link.
The Problem with Nitrogen
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/9s.html Scroll down to the end of the article to discover how humans have affected the nitrogen cycle.
Extension: Read the brochure [http://www.buzzardsbay.org/nitrmang/nitro_brochure.pdf] about nitrogen problems in Buzzard Bay.
Match problems nad solutions
Write cloze summary
Read this interview with environmental chemist, William H. Schlesinger [http://www.onearth.org/article/the-nitrogen-problem]. What policy changes does he suggest? How does he support his arguments?
Write seuqencing activty
Extension: Read the brochure [http://www.buzzardsbay.org/nitrmang/nitro_brochure.pdf] about nitrogen problems in Buzzard Bay.
Match problems nad solutions
Write cloze summary
Read this interview with environmental chemist, William H. Schlesinger [http://www.onearth.org/article/the-nitrogen-problem]. What policy changes does he suggest? How does he support his arguments?
Write seuqencing activty
This video shows the nitrogen cycle in action in a coral reef. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdY4I-EaqJA&feature=related