LAB 3 – Nutrient Cycles

In this lab, we will be using online simulations of the Carbon Cycle and the Nitrogen Cycle to better visualize the movement of matter and energy among various parts of the earth system, particularly the exchanges among the atmosphere, soils, water, and organisms. FOR BEST RESULTS on LAB 3, be sure to complete the readings in the text and in Beyond the Book 4.

PART 1 – the Carbon Cycle

Understanding the carbon cycle provides the underpinnings for our future discussions about soils, modern agriculture, fossil fuel use, and climate change. In other words, knowledge about the carbon cycle will be threaded through the remainder of the course. 

For this part of the lab, we will use the Carbon Cycle Simulator you will find at

https://www.learner.org/courses/envsci/interactives/carbon/carbon.html

We will be following slightly different instructions for this lab than the instructions associated with the simulator, so be sure you are following the instructions found in this document rather than the online instructions.