Nutrient Cycle Teacher Resources

Students conduct an experiment to demonstrate that many of the enzyme systems needed to break down society's wastes exist in nature among the decomposers in a compost pile. They culture compost bacteria on starch agar to examine the...

Students demonstrate that many of the enzyme systems needed to break down--and therefore clean up-society's wastes already exist in nature among the decomposers. They select the best starch-munching organisms by altering the environment...

Students explore the ways Earth's surface is shaped by hydrologic, climate and tectonic forces by participating in a whole class discussion. They respond to prompts that lead them to conclusions about the relationships between landforms...

High schoolers develop and express opinions on personal and societal issues in biology through journal entries (written and other forms), oral position statements and group discussions.

Students put items in a plastic bag and watch the effects of composting. While completing the experiment, students answer questions and ask permission to start their own compost pile at home.

Pupils identify macroinvertebrate species to investigate ecological systems and the relationship between humans and the environment.

Students are introduced to tree structure and use. They identify their special tree using all senses except sight. Students identify six different internal parts within a cross section of tree trunk (bark, phloem, xylem, cambium,...

Seventh graders design and conduct experiments to determine what environmental factors favor decomposition by soil microbes. They use chunks of carrot for the materials to be decomposed, and their experiments are carried out in plastic...

First graders practice identifying plants by singing a song.  In this plant life lesson, 1st graders sing the song "Parts of a Plant" which is based on the anatomy of sunflowers.  Students discover agriculture techniques while...

Fifth graders diagram and label the parts of a tree. For this lesson on how trees obtain food, 5th graders diagram and label the parts of a tree, and determine the diameter, height, and age of a tree.

Students gain an understanding of living organisms. the complete a plant growth data log to chart plant growth and to make observations, predictions, and personal reflections.

Students brainstorm family meal traditions and the meaning of "The Circle of Life" while viewing artifacts. They plan a traditional family Thanksgiving meal and write/discuss their own Thanksgiving family meal traditions. Students listen...

In this viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi learning exercise, students will review the basic characteristics of each of these groups. Students will complete 7 fill in the blank questions about viruses, 6 true or false questions about...

Ninth graders explore how to apply ecological analysis to cropping systems.  In this agro-ecosystem lesson students study management practices including soil and fertility. 

In this fungus non-fiction reading comprehension worksheet, students read a 3 page selection that describes the characteristics and life of fungi. They answer 10 questions based on the reading which include true or false, multiple...

Students read about specific instances of arsenic in history and share these stories with each other. They identify, after reading the articles and sharing, what role arsenic played, how arsenic enters the system and what its effects...

Learners investigate the story "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle. This story is used to introduce the children to the concept that seeds change and grow into plants when conditions in the environment including temperature, light, water and...

Learners identify the differences in local soil types and the relationship between soil size and water retention. They are introduced to microenvironmental conditions in ecosystem sustainability.

In this biology learning exercise, students answer questions.

Seventh graders create ecosystems in a jar which they observe over the course of the school year.

Students discover the benefits of composting. They identify the steps of decomposition as well. They are read a book and discuss what items decompose.

Young scholars perform an experiment to find out if plants grow best when grown in soil with no fertilizer, with chemical fertilizers, or with compost that they have made themselves. Students discover how agriculture practices can...

Students are introduced to the growth process of a potato. As a class, they place a potato on a plate and observe how long it takes for the eyes to appear. In groups, they follow a recipe to make potato soup that is shared with the...

Young scholars study the global impact of insect borne diseases, the appropriate use of pesticides, and the concept of human interrelations on a world wide scale. They examine how to safely apply a pesticide, according to the label.