Download Nitrogen in Ecosystems

Starter Activity:
On a show me board draw a mind-map or
list key words about the following:
“All living things grow and reproduce.
What do living things need to do this?”
Nitrogen in
Ecosystems
Learning Intention: Explain the importance of nitrogen in
ecosystems and describe the role of bacteria.
Success Criteria:
• Describe the importance of nitrogen to living things.
• State the different forms of nitrogen found in an
ecosystem.
• Describe the recycling of nitrogen in an ecosystem.
• Explain the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.
The Nitrogen Cycle
What is The Nitrogen Cycle?
Your task…
1.
Watch the short video clip:
Glow Video Clip: The Nitrogen Cycle
2. Write down any key words that relate to
the following points on a show me board:
a) What is nitrogen part of?
b) Why is nitrogen important?
c) Where is nitrogen found?
Why is nitrogen so important?
Nitrogen is essential for growth because it is used by
plants and animals to make proteins.
Nitrogen makes up about 78% of
the atmosphere. However, nitrogen
deficiency is the most common
cause of poor plant growth.
Why are plants unable to use the
nitrogen straight from the air?
Nitrogen gas (N2) is unreactive and is not easily
converted into other compounds. Most plants can only
take up nitrogen in the form of ammonia or nitrate.
How is atmospheric nitrogen changed into a useable form?
What is the nitrogen cycle?
Labelling the nitrogen cycle
The Nitrogen Cycle
Your tasks…
1. Read the information
sheet.
2. Discuss the information
with your partner &
note key ideas on your
show me board.
3. Follow the instructions
on the first card in
your envelope.
1
2
4
3
5
The Nitrogen Cycle
You can copy the diagram above and add any extra information
from your nitrogen cycle task cards.
The Importance of Nitrogen
Nitrogen is very important to all living
organisms.
Living organisms need nitrogen to make:
• amino acids,
• proteins (including enzymes)
• nucleic acids.
Nitrogen in
Ecosystems
Learning Intention: Explain the importance of nitrogen in
ecosystems and describe the role of bacteria.
Success Criteria:
• Describe the importance of nitrogen to living things.
• State the different forms of nitrogen found in an
ecosystem.
• Describe the recycling of nitrogen in an ecosystem.
• Explain the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.