Hon Env Sci
Name _____________________________________
Per _____ Date ______________
Biogeochemical Cycles Mini-Poster Project
Remember from Unit 1 that Earth is an open system to energy and a closed system to matter in which energy
flows (from sun to source) and matter cycles (between the abiotic and biotic). Over geologic time, plate
movement builds topography while gravity, wind, and water flatten topography. So, geothermal and solar
energy together drive sediment, hydrologic, and atmospheric cycling that are all intertwined to provide the
distribution and flow of matter (nutrients).
Essential macronutrients are those used by plants in relatively large amounts, that combine in various ways to
make up >95% of all living things. Many macronutrients are found in biosphere components (ex. C, H, O, N, P,
and S), some are abundant in the environment (ex. Mg and Ca), and some are not incorporated into organic
structures, but are found in ionic form in solutions that activate enzymes that support life or are the medium
for nutrient transport (ex. K and H2O).
In this project, you will work in groups of 3-4 to research an assigned biogeochemical cycle- phosphorus,
sulfur, carbon, and nitrogen- to determine the significance of your element, where it resides (the reservoirs,
primary and others), what transport processes drive the movement of your element, and how humans are
disturbing the cycling of your element. Your group will create a mini poster to present to the class and should
be able to address peer and teacher questions regarding your cycle. You will also be required to submit a
single-sided handout with the pertinent information about your element and cycle.
Project Objectives:
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Understand and explain the importance of materials on Earth
Understand and be able to explain how materials are cycled on Earth
Understand and be able to explain how humans affect biogeochemical cycles
Project Requirements:
On the front of the mini-poster:
 A colored sketch of your cycle on one side of 8 ½ x 11 printer paper with an appropriate title.
 All reservoirs and transport processes neatly drawn and clearly labeled along with forms of the
element (ex. N2, NOx, C, CO2, S, SO2).
On the back of the mini-poster (you will put this on one side of a separate sheet of paper; I will photocopy
double sided):
 Names, class, teacher, and class period
 Importance of the material- Explanation of why the elements in the cycle are needed for living things
and the environment
 Description of the cycle- reservoirs and transport processes
 Explanation of how humans affect the cycle
 Citation of all sources
Cycle Assigned: ___________________________________________Due Date: ___________________