Nutrient Cycle Teacher Resources

Third graders investigate the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. They experiment with various tools to simulate the mouth parts of insects, conduct research, record their observations of butterflies hatching, write a play, complete...

Students examine the habitat and life cycle of a butterfly. In this early childhood lesson plan, students identify the parts of a butterfly, as well as the stages of the butterfly life cycle. Students also plant a garden in which they...

Students conduct various experiments to investigate plant transpiration. In this biology lesson, students explain how this process helps maintain the hydrologic cycle. They measure the rate of water loss in plants using a potometer.

Students conduct a series of investigations on the unique properties of water. In this general science activity, students explain what causes water's surface tension. They explain the different stages in the water cycle.

Students draw and label the four parts of a plant. They describe changes that are part of the common life cycle. Students follow various one and two step directions. They are asked to discuss that they can recall about plants.

Get your hands dirty with an interactive instructional activity that showcases the process of decomposing and returning nutrients back into the soil. After building a compost pile, pupils regularly observe the...

Photosynthesis seems nothing short of magic: a little carbon dioxide and water, add energy, and poof, you get food! A thorough, collaborative lesson teaches youth the process of photosynthesis thanks to a skit they perform with a group...

Teach young environmentalists to protect their planet's resources with a set of interactive experiments. Kindergartners and other youngsters learn about watersheds and the water cycle, while older elementary learners focus on fertilizer...

Learners identify the changing nutritional needs across the life cycle. They create and prepare a variety of healthy foods for children that provide adequate nutrients for optimum growth and development. They identify guidelines in...

In this cell cycle worksheet, students review how enzymes control the cell cycle and what happens when the cell cycle becomes uncontrolled. This worksheet has 7 short answer questions.

Students explore energy and nutrient flow. In this science lesson, students diagram the flow of energy through food chains and food webs. Students discuss the importance of energy flow in Earth's ecosystems.

The Gulf of Mexico dead zone, an area of low oxygen that kills marine life, costs the United States $82 million every year. Young scientists research anoxic ocean environments then come up with a hypothesis for the cause of the Gulf of...

First graders learn the basic needs of plants and identify geometric shapes while planting a fall garden. Combining math and science in one activity, the resource guides kids through starting their class garden as they...

Students explore the basics of ecology. They discuss ecological succession, the water cycle and human impacts on the environment. Students explore the owls, succession, the human impact on the environment and complete the "Incredible...

Young scientists roll up their sleeves and get a little dirty in this three-day earth science investigation. Following the scientific method, children monitor the growth of algae in pond water samples in order to determine...

Around 80 percent of the nitrogen in plants living in coastal forests comes from decaying fish. Viewers learn how salmon encourage the growth of forests with a scientific video that highlights interdependence, ecosystems, and the...

What better way to learn about plant life than by creating a class garden? Young botanists start with a brief discussion about radishes before planting seeds and watching them grow. To determine the importance of water,...

In this water worksheet, students read an excerpt about the effects of pollution on the life cycle of a lake. Then they describe how lakes are affected by the pollution. Students also define why pollution has become such a problem for...

Learners explore gardening and nutrition in the Rosa Parks Community Garden. They work in stations to discuss food choices, the life cycles of plants, and mini-composting. After starting in one station, they rotate to try each activity.

High schoolers describe the importance of aquaculture as a source for protein intake by humans globally. They are given a number from 1-3 as they enter the class. All "1's" recieve 10 beans. All "2's" recieve 5 beans. All "3's" recieve 1...

Students construct flow diagrams of the carbon and nitrogen cycle processes. They identify sequences in each cycle that are affected by human impact and present their research to the class.

First graders understand that pumpkins grow slowly over several months. In this pumpkin lesson, 1st graders listen to the book Pumpkin, Pumpkin and recall the sequence of the pumpkin life cycle. Students create pumpkin artwork showing...

Students observe the first true leaves and the buds on their Brassica plants and record their observations in both words and pictures. They also observe two major developments: the true leaves and the flower buds and record their...

Termites in your house? Bad. Termites in your garden ... good? Discover the good side of an insect that often gets a bad rap with an interesting animation. The narrator discusses how termites break down plant material, what the soil...