TAKS Objective 5
The student will demonstrate an
understanding of Earth and
space systems
TEKS 8.12 C
Predict the results of modifying
the Earth’s nitrogen, water and
carbon cycles
Lesson Objective
The student will predict the results
of: denitrification, volatilization,
leaching, runoff, nitrification, and
immobilization of nitrogen
Question
True of False: Humans use
nitrogen from the atmosphere to
make proteins.
Humans cannot use N2 and must
obtain nitrogen by eating plants
or by eating animals that have
eaten plants.
Prior Knowledge
1. Describe the components of the atmosphere,
including oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor
2. make inferences and draw conclusions about
effects of human activity on Earth’s
renewable, non-renewable, and inexhaustible
resources.
The Fate of the Nitrate
ENGAGE
View the nitrogen strike news clip
animation:
http://www.tcet.unt.edu/tegs/chapter5/Nit
rogen%20goes%20on%20strike_Mediu
m.mov
EXPLORE
Get ready to play the Nitrogen Game.
Let’s talk about the rules of the game.
The object of the game is to transform to
ammonium salts (NH4+) and nitrate
(NO3-) in a journey toward the green
zone, crop uptake. Look out for the
chutes which represent loss of nitrogen.
Form groups of 3 players representing three
type of organic nitrogen (legume nitrogen,
crop residue nitrogen, and manure nitrogen).
You will need one game board and a spinner
or dice.
Spin or throw the dice. The player with the highest
number goes first and play proceeds in a clockwise
direction. Each player spins or rolls the dice moving
the corresponding number of squares (no diagonal
moves). Two or more players may land on the same
square. If a player lands at the base of a ladder, move
up. If a player lands at the top of a chute, they slide to
the bottom. You must roll or spin the exact number to
win. The first player to arrive at Crop Uptake (square
25) is the winner.
EXPLAIN
1. How does nitrogen enter the cycle?
2. How is nitrogen lost from the soil?
3. How is nitrogen returned to the atmosphere?
4. How does nitrogen get into the human body?
ELABORATE
Use diagrams of the nitrogen cycle or visit the
following website to view Figures 1 and/or 2
which show diagrams of the nitrogen cycle.
Compare the diagrams to the game. How are
they the same? How are they different?
http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/envqual/
wq0252.htm
EVALUATE
After participating in the nitrogen cycle
game, the student will predict the results of,
one of the following: nitrification,
denitrification, volatilization, leaching,
runoff, and immobilization on the
environment in a 200-word essay.