Lessons and Activities

In this section, a deductive approach is used to introduce students to the nitrogen cycle. Some resources featuring soil bacteria are followed by discussions of nitrogen compounds and then the element N itself. In this way, we move from the concrete and familiar to the more abstract, less familiar aspects of the nitrogen cycle.

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BIOL/CSES 4684 Pseudomonas:Nitrosomonas Soil Microbiology http://filebox.vt.edu/users/chagedor/biol_4684/Microbes/nitro.html

Phase contrast and scanning electron images of the bacteria are provided. Descriptions of the organism's characteristics, taxonomy, and ecology are provided. Additional references and related links are included. MSP full record

National Teacher Enhancement Network: An Investigation into Effects of Rhizobium Soil Bacteria on Nitrogen Availability http://www.scienceteacher.org/k12resources/lessons/lessonK29.htm

This experiment will make use of a soil bacterium of the genus Rhizobium and a host legume to demonstrate the effects that soil microbes can have on soil fertility and nutrient availability. According to the learner outcomes, students should be able to: collect, record and interpret their data; identify the control and the variables in the experiment; describe the growth of plants with and without nitrogen-fixing bacteria; and name the bacterium responsible for making nitrogen available to the plant. MSP full record

Lesson 1: Nitrogen Cycling http://malama.hawaii.edu/schools/lessons/TLunsford/N_cycle/N_cycle_activity_lesson1.htm

This activity is designed to strengthen student understanding of the nitrogen cycle in aquatic systems, the roles of different biological organisms and communities, the terms used, and the complexity of an ecosystem. Before attempting this activity, students should be familiar with the nitrogen cycle and the terms and organisms associated with it. MSP full record

The Nitrogen Cycle http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_ciclo.php

The nitrogen cycle is not restricted to terrestrial ecosystems. Though this is a commercial site, the article is a comprehensible discussion of the nitrogen cycle in the context of aquatic environments, emphasizing the importance of enhancing conditions to promote nitrogen-fixing bacteria growth. Students may be able to pair up and conduct a self-guided reading and thinking activity with this article, before or after completing the experiment described in the resource Lesson 1: Nitrogen Cycling above. MSP full record

The Facts about Ammonia http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/emergency/chemical_terrorism/ammonia_tech.htm

At first glance this fact sheet from the New York State Department of Health may seem outside the context of your discussion of the nitrogen cycle. However, students are often curious about the nitrogen-containing compounds that appear in representations of the nitrogen cycle. Use of this resource allows for connections from familiar household ammonia to ammonia’s role in the nitrogen cycle. The fact sheet is intended to provide general awareness and education on a specific chemical agent. MSP full record

Nitrate and Nitrite http://www.ead.anl.gov/pub/doc/nitrate-ite.pdf

A two-page article from Argonne National Laboratory can address student curiosity regarding nitrate and nitrite, significant compounds in the nitrogen cycle. It focuses less on chemistry and more on these compounds’ environmental significance and is appropriate to middle school students. It may serve as an introduction to discussion of the relationship between humans and the nitrogen cycle. Included in the article are nitrates and nitrates uses, sources, effects on human health, and where to find additional information. MSP full record

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Copyright July 2007 — The Ohio State University. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0424671. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.