Earth Sciences · JHS3 Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: B9.2.1.1.2 - Describe the importance of the nitrogen cycle to the environment

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

State at least four reasons why nitrogen is important to living things and the environment.
Explain how leguminous plants replenish nitrogen in the soil through nitrogen fixation.
Predict and describe the consequences of interrupting the nitrogen cycle through actions such as leaching, bush burning, and destruction of leguminous plants.
Carry out a small-scale project to demonstrate how leguminous crops can restore nitrogen to depleted soil.
Communicate findings clearly to peers, explaining the importance of the nitrogen cycle using appropriate scientific terms.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Cycles (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Earth Sciences (2.1)
Content standard: B9.2.1.1 - Demonstrate an understanding of the Nitrogen cycle as a repeated pattern of change in nature, and how it relates to the environment
Indicator: B9.2.1.1.2 - Describe the importance of the nitrogen cycle to the environment
Suggested placement: Term 1, Week 6 (Week 6 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: Science, Common Core Programme (JHS1-JHS3), 2023, p. 93
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

1. Describe the importance of nitrogen to the environment.
2. Carry out a project to show how certain plants such as leguminous crops can replenish nitrogen in the soil.
3. Predict what will happen if the nitrogen cycle is interrupted by actions such as leaching, bush burning, and destruction of leguminous plants.