Context

Biogeochemical cycles are essential natural processes that recycle the elements necessary to sustain life on Earth. Chemical elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, among others, are continuously cycled between the atmosphere, biosphere (plants and animals), hydrosphere (water), and lithosphere (soil). These cycles are interconnected and play a fundamental role in regulating the global environment, affecting climate and the availability of nutrients for living organisms.

These biogeochemical cycles can be classified into two main types: gaseous and sedimentary. Gaseous cycles involve the atmosphere, and through biological, physical, and chemical processes, chemical elements pass through the atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere. Sedimentary cycles involve rock erosion. Chemical elements pass through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Human intervention has a significant impact on biogeochemical cycles. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and intensive agriculture, can accelerate or slow down these cycles, leading to a series of environmental problems such as ocean acidification, depletion of the ozone layer, and global warming.

Importance of Biogeochemical Cycles

Understanding biogeochemical cycles and the human activities that affect them is essential to comprehend and mitigate climate change and other environmental issues. For example, the carbon cycle is directly related to global warming. By understanding how this cycle works, we can adopt more sustainable behaviors that reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

Furthermore, biogeochemical cycles also have a significant impact on agriculture and food production. For instance, the nitrogen cycle is essential for soil fertility. Understanding this cycle can help us develop more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

The following resources can be used to deepen the understanding of biogeochemical cycles and their relationship with life on Earth:

1. Biogeochemical Cycles - Brasil Escola
2. Biogeochemical Cycles - Manual da Química
3. Biogeochemical Cycles - Khan Academy

Practical Activity: Simulation of Biogeochemical Cycles

Project Objective

The proposed activity aims to help students understand the functioning of biogeochemical cycles, especially the carbon and nitrogen cycles, and human interference in these cycles, through the creation of a three-dimensional (3D) model representing these cycles and the development of an explanatory presentation.

Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members. Each group will be responsible for creating a 3D model representing the carbon and nitrogen cycles. Additionally, they will need to produce a video presentation, lasting 10 to 15 minutes, explaining how these cycles work, how humans interfere in these cycles, and what possible solutions are to mitigate the negative impacts of this interference.

Required Materials

For the execution of this project, the following materials will be necessary:

• Cardboard, colored paper, scissors, glue, wooden sticks, modeling clay, paint, and other materials for building the 3D model.
• Camera or cellphone for filming the presentation.
• Computer with video editing software for the finalization of the presentation.

Step by Step

1. Research: Students should start the project by researching the carbon and nitrogen cycles, focusing on understanding how they occur, which elements are involved, and how humans interfere in these cycles.

2. 3D Model Project: Based on the research, the group should develop the project of the 3D model, which should be able to represent the processes of the researched cycles.

3. Construction of the 3D Model: Using the available materials, students will build the model according to the developed project.

4. Elaboration of the Presentation Script: In this step, the group should create a script for the video presentation, which should include a detailed explanation of the cycles represented by the model and human interference in these cycles.

5. Recording the Presentation: Using the script, the group should film the explanatory presentation.

6. Editing the Presentation: After recording, the group should edit the video, making it clear and engaging.

7. Review and Adjustments: Students should review all the produced material and make final adjustments.

8. Project Delivery: Finally, students should deliver the constructed 3D model and the video presentation.

Project Deliverables

Students must deliver:

• The 3D model showing the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
• The video presentation explaining the represented cycles and human interference.
• A written report containing:
  • Introduction: where the theme will be contextualized, its relevance and real-world application, and the project's objective;
  • Development: where the group will explain the theory behind biogeochemical cycles, describe in detail the constructed model and the video presentation, as well as discuss the methodology used and the results obtained;
  • Conclusion: where students should summarize the main points of their work, list the learnings obtained, and draw conclusions about the project.
  • Bibliography: where the sources consulted during the project execution will be indicated.