APES BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES Study Tool
Learning Objective: I can describe and apply biogeochemical cycles
Nutrients are cycled through ecosystems. The following activity will help you
understand the process as well as the importance of each biogeochemical cycle.
Read the information in your text concerning the five biogeochemical cycles;
water, carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen (pgs. 117-128 5th edition; 122-133
4th edition). In addition to your textbook, you may use the links on the back of this
sheet or other websites you find during your research. More info can be found on
the class website!
Create a study tool: After reading about the cycles, you will create one poster or flip chart including
all 5 cycles (Hydrologic, Carbon-Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Sulfur) This study tool will be
scored by another student and by the teacher according to the rubric on the back of this sheet.
You are expected to USE and STUDY FROM this flipchart/poster, so you have a working
understanding of how biogeochemical cycles impact humans, and how humans impact these
cycles. Your study tool is due at the beginning of class on 10/23 (odds) or 10/24 (evens)
If you choose to make a poster, the poster should be completed as described below:
1.
All 5 cycles must be on the same poster
2.
Each cycle process must be completed in a different color.
3.
You must include a key/legend
4.
Use → arrows to show the pathway of movement of the nutrients in each cycle.
5.
Where appropriate include chemical compounds or reactions involved in the cycle
6.
Identify inorganic and organic reservoirs for the element (where is this element stored)
7.
Include any human impacts on the cycle.
8.
In addition to the above content, posters should be visually pleasing including color, illustrations,
and any other items you would like to use. You may create a collage instead of a drawn poster, if
you wish.
If you choose to make a flip chart, the flip chart should be completed as described below:
1. Take three different pieces of construction paper
2. Stack them and then spread them out equally
3. Fold the stack over as shown, and staple the bottom
4. Label each of the “tabs” as follows:
a. “Biogeochemical Cycles”
b. “Hydrological Cycle”
c. “Carbon-Oxygen Cycle”
d. “Nitrogen Cycle”
e. “Phosphorus Cycle”
f. “Sulfur Cycle”
5.
Underneath each tab, draw the cycle on one side, and describe the process on the other. Include the
following for each cycle:
g. Descriptions of each major process in the cycle
h. Main reservoirs for each nutrient
i. Importance of the chemical to natural systems
j. Human impacts on the cycle
Biogeochemical Cycle Scoring Rubric
Name: ______________________________________
Block: ____________
Learning Objective: I can describe and apply biogeochemical cycles
S*
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
All stages of each cycle are apparent
Arrows show movement of nutrients
Compounds/reactions are identified
Inorganic and organic reservoirs are
identified
Impact of human intervention on each cycle
Poster/flipchart is attractive and clear
Visuals show advanced understanding of
cycles
Average of teacher and student scores.
4
4
4
3
3
3
2 1
2 1
2 1
4
3
2 1
4
4
3
3
2 1
2 1
4
3
2 1
T**
TOTAL
* S: a student will score your cycles on 10/23 and 10/24.
** T: the teacher will score your cycles on 10/23 and 10/24
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Student Scorer:
Teacher Scorer:
USEFUL WEBSITES:
Water cycle
http://observe.arc.nasa.gov/nasa/earth/hydrocycle/hydro1.html
http://www.iptv.org/exploremore/water/in_depth/watercycle.cfmhttp://www.iptv.org/exploremore/water
/in_depth/watercycle.cfm
Phosphorous cycle
http://www.lenntech.com/phosphorus-cycle.htmhttp://www.lenntech.com/phosphorus-cycle.htm
Sulfur cycle
http://homepages.nyu.edu/~pet205/sulfur.htmlhttp://homepages.nyu.edu/~pet205/sulfur.html
Nitrogen cycle
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/N/NitrogenCycle.htmlhttp://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.
ultranet/BiologyPages/N/NitrogenCycle.html
Carbon cycle
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/9r.htmlhttp://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamental
s/9r.html
http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/9r.html