What goes around comes around!
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=1797
A lesson plan for Grades 9–12 Biology and AP Biology
The paths of water, carbon, and nitrogen are cyclic. In this lesson students will model the cycles of matter by creating an ecosystem in a jar. They will also give research based oral presentations on the carbon, water and nitrogen cycles.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grades 9–12 — Advanced Placement Biology
- Goal 7: The learner will develop an understanding of basic ecological principles.
- Objective 7.02: Examine the actions and interactions of communities and ecosystems.
- Analyze energy flow.
- Examine trophic structure.
- Investigate water and element cycling.
- Assess affects of abiotic and biotic factors.
- Analyze relationships with in communities and ecosystems.
- Recommended laboratory - Dissolved Oxygen and Aquatic Primary Production
- Objective 7.02: Examine the actions and interactions of communities and ecosystems.
Grades 9–12 — Biology
- Goal 1: The learner will develop abilities necessary to do and understand scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.02: Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions.
- Create testable hypotheses
- Identify variables.
- Use a control or comparison group when appropriate.
- Select and use appropriate measurement tools.
- Collect and record data.
- Organize data into charts and graphs.
- Analyze and interpret data.
- Communicate findings.
- Objective 1.02: Design and conduct scientific investigations to answer biological questions.
- Goal 5: The learner will develop an understanding of the ecological relationships among organisms.
- Objective 5.01: Investigate and analyze the interrelationships among organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
- Techniques of field ecology.
- Abiotic and biotic factors.
- Carrying capacity.
- Objective 5.02: Analyze the flow of energy and the cycling of matter in the ecosystem.
- Relationship of the carbon cycle to photosynthesis and respiration.
- Trophic levels - direction and efficiency of energy transfer.
- Objective 5.01: Investigate and analyze the interrelationships among organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.



