In this Grade 5 lesson from Science: A Closer Look, Chapter 3, students explore the cycles of ecosystems, focusing on the water cycle and the roles of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and groundwater in continuously moving water between Earth's surface and the atmosphere. Students also investigate how living things like plants and animals contribute to the water cycle through transpiration and respiration. The lesson connects to broader ecosystem concepts including the carbon and nitrogen cycles and how key chemicals are recycled through ecosystems.
Section 1
Water Cycles Through States of Matter
The Sun drives water's journey through evaporation (liquid to gas), condensation (gas to liquid), and precipitation (water falling to Earth), before running off into bodies of water or becoming groundwater.
Section 2
Plants and Animals Exchange Carbon Dioxide
Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to make sugars, while animals eat plants for these carbon compounds. Both release carbon dioxide through respiration, continuing the carbon cycle.
Section 3
Bacteria Transform Nitrogen for Plants
Special bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which soil bacteria transform into nitrates. Plants absorb these nitrates to make proteins, which animals consume. Waste returns nitrogen to the soil.
Section 4
Humans Recycle Matter Through Composting
Composting allows decomposers to break down organic materials into nitrogen-rich substances that bacteria convert to plant-usable nitrates, replenishing soil nutrients and reducing waste.
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Section 1
Water Cycles Through States of Matter
The Sun drives water's journey through evaporation (liquid to gas), condensation (gas to liquid), and precipitation (water falling to Earth), before running off into bodies of water or becoming groundwater.
Section 2
Plants and Animals Exchange Carbon Dioxide
Plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to make sugars, while animals eat plants for these carbon compounds. Both release carbon dioxide through respiration, continuing the carbon cycle.
Section 3
Bacteria Transform Nitrogen for Plants
Special bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which soil bacteria transform into nitrates. Plants absorb these nitrates to make proteins, which animals consume. Waste returns nitrogen to the soil.
Section 4
Humans Recycle Matter Through Composting
Composting allows decomposers to break down organic materials into nitrogen-rich substances that bacteria convert to plant-usable nitrates, replenishing soil nutrients and reducing waste.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter