Photosynthesis- process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce carbohydrates and oxygen
Cellular Respiration- process by which cells obtain energy from carbohydrates
Combustion- the burning of fossil fuels and other fuel sources
Decomposition- the break down of dead organic matter
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria- bacteria that converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia
Denitrifying Bacteria- bacteria that convert ammonium into nitrates
Condensation- changing water vapor into liquid water
Evaporation- changing liquid water into water vapor
Precipitation- when water falls to earth’s surface
Transpiration- the loss of water through the leaves of plants

The students will be able to…
1. Explain how the biogeochemical cycles recycle needed elements.
2. Create a poster with each component of the biogeochemical cycles.
3. Write a summary paragraph for each cycle.
4. Explain how humans can disrupt the biogeochemical cycles.

3- 85 minute class periods

Cycle Diagram Handouts (Water Cycle, Carbon Cycle, Nitrogen Cycle)
Poster paper
Guided Notes for the Biogeochemical Cycles
Biogeochemical Practice Worksheet
Cycle Pre-Test and Post-Test
Biogeochemical Power Point Presentation

W= Post agenda and standards on board
H= Making the lunar station
W= Post agenda and standards on board
H= Making the lunar station
E= Making the lunar station
R= Accept rough drafts and revisions for the project, the presentations are random so each student must be able to present any one of the 3 cycles
E= Project and presentation, practice worksheet, pre-test verses post-test results
T= Re-teach components during small group revisions
O= The project and presentations

1. Give a pre-test to each student on the Biogeochemical Cycles. (Independent) [20 min]
2. The students will take guided notes while the teacher presents each of the major biogeochemical cycles including the Water Cycle (condensation, precipitation, evaporation, transpiration), Nitrogen Cycle (nitrogen-fixing bacteria, denitrifying bacteria), and Carbon Cycle (photosynthesis, cellular respiration, combustion, decomposition). (Whole Group, Independent) [30 min]
3. Assign groups of 3. Tell students the Earth is no longer inhabitable so they must create a lunar station, which includes each of the major biogeochemicalcycles. Have each group make a list of all of “needs”and “wants” for their lunar station. Check the list.(Small Group) [15 min]
4. Have the students make a rough sketch of their lunar station with all of the components of the cycles included. Check rough drafts and allow for revision. (Small Group) [30 min]
5. Have each group create a poster-sized version of their lunar stations. Each component of every cycle should be color coded so it stands out (water cycle- blue, carbon cycle- green, nitrogen cycle- red). (Small Group) [40 min]
6. Finally have each group write a one-paragraph summary for each cycle (each student is responsible for writing one of the paragraphs). The teacher should proofread the paragraphs so revisions can be made. (Independent) [15 min]
7. Each group will be expected to present their lunar station to the class. Upon the presentation, each student will select a random cycle card from the teacher and each group member will present the chosen cycle listed on the card. (Small Group, Independent) [35 min for all presentations]
8. Have the students complete a review worksheet individually. Go over answers orally. (Independent, Whole Group) [20 min]
9. Finally have the students complete a KWLUM chart containing each cycle. Complete the chart in 3 rounds. During the 1st round the student will complete one KWLUM for any of the blanks for the 3 listed cycles. Then pass the chart to the next student who will complete a KWLUM of their choice. And finally pass the paper to the 3rd person who will complete the last KWLUM blanks. (Independent, Pair-Share) [10 min]
10. The culminating activity for this activity will be the post-test, which is to be completed by each student individually. (Independent) [25 min]

Pre-Test and Post-Test
Random Reporter for Cycle Presentations
Rough Drafts and Revisions
Guided Notes
Guided Practice when completing practice Cycle Worksheet

Many different cycle diagrams are available on-line