Infographic assignment

Do Now:

Read this article (read the io9 blog post first. Then go the article linked at thr end of the blog post)

Make even sized groups

Send one representative to pick a topic (there is a cup with labeled sticks, blindly choose 1)

Return the sticks to the cup after every group has chosen a topic


In an ecosystem matter is cycled and energy flows through.

Today in class we are going examine the first part of this statement by making posters that show biogeochemical cycling.

The poster topics are ( if your class hasn't picked topics yet- Organize your groups and be civil about choosing a topic. Make sure each topic is represented by 1 group and 1 group only)

Sulfur cycle
Phosphate cycle
Carbon Cycle
Water Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Rock Cycle

your task today is to ( This should take 2 to 3 periods)

1. Create 2 posters

• First, a poster that has the cycle labeled with the reactants and the products for each chemical reaction with the biological, geological or chemical condition in which it occurs
• Second, an unlabeled poster for review purposes.

2. Research and include on your poster the following

•  Time spent in each phase and how much is in each phase
•  Specific example of the cycle in an ecosystem
• Relative values of each phase in relation to the other components of the phase (ie amount of co2 in the atmosphere)

You will create a poster of one of the cycles. (Carbon, phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen, water, rock). The poster should include the specific details listed below and be inclusive of human impacts on the system.

a. Include all components of your assigned human impact/environmental problem in your cycle.

b. Indicate how that change in the cycle influences the environment and creates a positive feedback.

c. Include chemical compounds or reactions involved in any part of the cycle.

d. Identify natural and anthropogenic sources/sinks as different colors in the cycle 

e. research how this cycle is a limiting factor and what the evolutionary response to this is.

f. research how the system uses this material and what support is needed to keep the cycle going if any.

Infographic assignment

Your task is to create an infographic that allows members of the class to have a single sheet quick reference about the information from the biogeochemical cycles.


Resources to help you are as follows

1. Basics of an infographic
2. Google search of popular infographic generators