Making a model of the nitrogen cycle asks students to construct a physical diorama showing how nitrogen moves between the atmosphere, soil, plants, decomposers, and bacteria. The sheet guides grades 5-8 through a full scientific method sequence: a driving question about living and nonliving parts of the environment, a written hypothesis, a nine-step build procedure, an observation prompt, and separate analyze and conclude sections. A reference key on the right side of the sheet defines each stage, including atmospheric fixation, assimilation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification, so students can label their model accurately as they build.

This lab fits naturally into a life science or earth science unit study on biogeochemical cycles, and it pairs well with lessons on ecosystems, soil biology, or plant nutrition. A student who completes this sheet demonstrates not only the sequence of nitrogen transformations but also the ability to distinguish biotic from abiotic system components, a key critical thinking skill the analyze section asks them to apply directly. The think-further prompt at the bottom, about how farming and pollution affect the cycle, opens the door to an extended discussion or follow-up research project.