Nutrient Cycles
The
nutrient cycle is a concept that describes how nutrients move from the physical
environment (abiotic) into living organisms (biotic) and subsequently cycle
back to the physical environment.
This circular movement of nutrients is essential to any given ecosystem (and thus for the biosphere), and it must be balanced and stable for the system to be maintained.
There are many different nutrient cycles, each with its own particular pathways. The most important are those involving the elements carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus; the pathways in which water flows are also vitally important.
Your task
Form into small groups. Collect a set of cards for one of the nutrient cycles. Clear your desk and arrange the cards to explain the cycle you are working with. Some cards will represent certain elements of the cycle and others will represent the various processes that are occurring. Use whiteboard markers to draw arrows that show the flow of nutrients in the cycle. Add as much detail as you can- the more elaborate the detail, the better your mark will be. Make sure you ask your teacher to check your work when you think you have completed the cycle to the best of your ability. When you and your teacher are happy with your work, take a photo of it. Make sure each person in the group has a copy and that they are accessible at school (I recommend saving them to both your school drive and flash drive) as you will need to use this later in your summative assessment.
You may download the task instructions and information below if you wish.
This circular movement of nutrients is essential to any given ecosystem (and thus for the biosphere), and it must be balanced and stable for the system to be maintained.
There are many different nutrient cycles, each with its own particular pathways. The most important are those involving the elements carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus; the pathways in which water flows are also vitally important.
Your task
Form into small groups. Collect a set of cards for one of the nutrient cycles. Clear your desk and arrange the cards to explain the cycle you are working with. Some cards will represent certain elements of the cycle and others will represent the various processes that are occurring. Use whiteboard markers to draw arrows that show the flow of nutrients in the cycle. Add as much detail as you can- the more elaborate the detail, the better your mark will be. Make sure you ask your teacher to check your work when you think you have completed the cycle to the best of your ability. When you and your teacher are happy with your work, take a photo of it. Make sure each person in the group has a copy and that they are accessible at school (I recommend saving them to both your school drive and flash drive) as you will need to use this later in your summative assessment.
You may download the task instructions and information below if you wish.
![](http://www.weebly.com/weebly/images/file_icons/rtf.png)
year_10_nutrient_cycling.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |