Add to List

Students study the biogeochemical cycles at work in a miniature aquatic ecosystem. They set up a gallon aquarium, then—each week—measure temperature, water loss, pH, biodiversity, and levels of nitrite/nitrate, phosphate, and hydrogen sulfide. After 2 weeks, students design and perform an experiment to manipulate a parameter of the ecosystem and, in the following weeks, observe the effects on the system. Kit provides materials for 8 groups of students.

Product Details
In this laboratory exercise, students study biogeochemical cycles at work. Students set up a functioning small-scale aquatic ecosystem in a 1-gallon aquarium, then document its temperature, water loss, pH, and biodiversity. They also measure weekly the ecosystem's nitrite/nitrate, phosphate, and hydrogen sulfide levels. They observe and record changes to the biodiversity each week. After 2 weeks, students design and perform an experiment: they manipulate a parameter of the ecosystem and observe the effects of the change on the ecosystem. At least 4 weeks are required to complete this activity. Forty minutes are required during Week 1; afterward, 20 minutes each week for 3 weeks are required to complete the activity. This kit provides materials for 8 groups of students.

Note: Kit includes a voucher to request the perishable materials later at your convenience. Contact Carolina or return the voucher to request delivery of perishables. Restricted states will be shipped compatible organisms and/or plants (Elodea canadensis, Elodea najas, or Chara, depending on availability). Canadian customers must apply for a Canada Department of Agriculture permit.

Unit Connections
This laboratory investigation correlates to Unit 1: The Living World: Ecosystems, topics 1.4: The Carbon Cycle, 1.5: The Nitrogen Cycle, 1.6: The Phosphorous Cycle, and 1.7: The Hydrologic Cycle in the AP® Environmental Science Course and Exam Description.

Standards Connection
This kit addresses the following AP® Environmental Science concepts:
Big Idea 2: Interactions Between Earth Systems (ERT). The Earth is one interconnected system. Natural systems change over time and space. Biogeochemical systems vary in ability to recover from disturbances.

• ERT-1 Ecosystems are the result of biotic and abiotic interactions.
• ERT-1.D Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the carbon cycle.
• ERT-1.D.1 The carbon cycle is the movement of atoms and molecules containing the element carbon between sources and sinks.
• ERT-1.D.2 Some of the reservoirs in which carbon compounds occur in the carbon cycle hold those compounds for long periods of time, while some hold them for relatively short periods of time.
• ERT-1.D.3 Carbon cycles between photosynthesis and cellular respiration in living things.
• ERT-1.E Explain the steps and reservoir interactions in the nitrogen cycle.
• ERT-1.E.1 The nitrogen cycle is the movement of atoms and molecules containing the element nitrogen between sources and sinks.
• ERT-1.E.2 Most of the reservoirs in which nitrogen compounds occur in the nitrogen cycle hold those compounds for relatively short periods of time.
• ERT-1.E.3 Nitrogen fixation is the process in which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a form of nitrogen (primarily ammonia) that is available for uptake by plants and that can be synthesized into plant tissue.

Time Requirements
Teacher Preparation (before class):

• Prelab: 45 minutes
• Investigation 1: 45 minutes
• Investigation 2: Before Students Plan the Inquiry, 30 minutes; Before Students Perform the Inquiry, 30 minutes

• Prelab: 45 minutes
• Investigation 1: Setting Up the Aquarium, 45 minutes; Weekly Observations: 20 minutes
• Investigation 2: Planning the Inquiries, 30 minutes; Performing the Inquiries, 30 minutes; Weekly Observations, 20 minutes
• Student Presentations: 60 minutes
• Free-Response Questions: 45 minutes

Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support instruction. Digital resources may include teacher manual and student guide, prelab activities and setup videos, simulations, and postlab analysis and assessments.

Prior Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with the following skills or concepts:

• Laws of conservation of mass and energy
• Basics of experimental design
• Basics of biogeochemical cycles

AP® is a trademark registered and/or owned by the College Board®, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.