Grade 10: Biogeochemical Cycles Project
Assigned: ______
Due date: ______
Objectives:
-Identify and describe the flow of nutrients in each biogeochemical cycle.
-Explain the impact that humans have on the biogeochemical cycles.
Read this article: http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/150616/
Each group will be assigned a cycle to illustrate and teach in a meaningful way to their classmates:
The following cycles will be assigned:
1. Carbon
2. Nitrogen
3. Phosphorus
4. Sulfur
Each group will choose one method of presentation:
1. Video enactment
2. Game: board game, card game, etc.
3. Dance
4. Skit
5. Song
6. Poem
7. Interview with the atoms, molecules, and/or ions involved
8. 3-D work of art - sculpture, mobile, etc.
9. Interactive web site
10. Engaging/Unique PowerPoint presentation
11. Other (subject to approval)
For ALL cycles, the presentation must include:
1. description of the chemical reactions involved
2. inorganic and organic reservoirs for the element
3. pathway of movement
4. Impact of human activities on the cycle (this must be an in depth analysis supported by at least 1 study from EbscoHost)
5. Bibliography
IMPORTANT NOTES:
· Each presentation should take between 10 and 15 minutes.
· Grading will be based on accuracy, completeness, creativity, learning value, quality of presentation.
· You will receive a group grade. Additionally, each group member will be graded by their group members.
· There will be a test on these cycles on Wednesday, December 4th
MINIMUM requirements to be included by each cycle group:
Carbon Cycle:
1. What 4 organic compounds is carbon found in?
2. Carbon dioxide comprises approximately what percent of tropospheric gases?
3. How is this relative* amount(%) of CO2 so significant in contributing to the earth’s “natural thermostat”?
4. Identify the two processes which have the greatest influence on tropospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide on a monthly or yearly basis. Explain.
5. Name the two largest sinks (storage areas) for carbon.
6. Discuss how oceans play a major role in regulating CO2 levels in the troposhpere.
7. Describe the two major anthropogenic interventions in the carbon cycle:
Nitrogen Cycle:
1. What 2 organic compounds is nitrogen found in?
2. Identify the two major ways that nitrogen is “fixed”;
3. Describe what takes place in each of the following processes or steps of the N‐Cycle: (include a description of the events and chemical transformations occurring in each step)
a. Nitrogen Fixation
b. Nitrification
c. Ammonification
d. Denitrification
4. Describe two anthropogenic interventions in the nitrogen cycle
Phosphorus Cycle:
1. Which organic compound is Phosphorus found in?
2. Explain why phosphorus does not circulate in the troposphere to a great extent:
3. Identify the largest sinks for phosphorus:
4. Phosphorus is typically found in what ionic form?
5. Explain why the addition of phosphate compounds to aquatic areas typically has a dramatic effect on biological productivity.
6. Comment on how human activities have influenced the phosphorus cycle regarding each of the following:
a. Mining phosphate rock
b. Animal wastes from Livestock Feedlots
c. Commercial phosphate Fertilizers in Agricultural areas
d. Discharge of Municipal Sewage/Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Sulfur Cycle:
1. Which organic compound is Sulfur found in?
2. Identify the largest storage areas for sulfur:
3. Identify two major human activities influencing the sulfur cycle
4. Describe consequences of interruptions/influences on the Sulfur cycle
Other possibilities:
Oxygen cycle
Mercury cycle