Science Worksheet · Grades 6–8
The Nitrogen Cycle Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 6-8 on the nitrogen cycle. Students match clues to the steps of fixation, uptake, decomposition, and denitrification, then answer four short-response questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 6–8
Skill Focus
The Nitrogen Cycle, cycles in nature
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Living things need nitrogen to build proteins, but most of it sits in the air in a form plants cannot use. The nitrogen cycle moves nitrogen between the air, the soil, and living things through fixation, uptake, decomposition, and denitrification. This worksheet helps students name each step and tell what happens in it.
Section A on page 1 gives eight clues, and students write the nitrogen cycle step each one describes. The reference box names the four steps and explains each, so students have the information they need to match.
Section B on page 2 asks why plants cannot use air nitrogen directly, what nitrogen-fixing bacteria do, how animals get nitrogen, and why it is called a cycle. Page 3 is a complete answer key with sample answers. The skill builds on ecosystems and the food chain.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and trace nitrogen from air to soil to plants and back.
Complete Section A independently – have students match each clue to one step.
Discuss the role of bacteria at both the start and end of the cycle.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check.
Pair with the Water Cycle Worksheet or the Ecosystems Worksheet.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
The Nitrogen Cycle Worksheet
A printable science worksheet for grades 6-8 on the nitrogen cycle. Students match clues to the steps of fixation, uptake, decomposition, and denitrification, then answer four short-response questions. A complete answer key is included.
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