This phenomenon-driven unit focuses on students making sense of the mutually beneficial species interactions between legumes and rhizobia. Many science classes spend less time studying the nitrogen cycle due to time constraints and more focus on other cycles, such as the carbon cycle. However, the nitrogen cycle plays a vital role in the air we breathe, the creation of our DNA, and the ability of plants to grow. This phenomenon-driven, sense making approach enhances student curiosity and makes the learning experience more relevant, leading to deeper student buy-in. Throughout the unit, students have the chance to explore and explain what plants need to grow inside and/or outside depending on your school’s resources and space.

The focus of this unit looks at the role rhizobia plays in the nitrogen cycle, but many of the supplementary lessons help students better understand mutualism and rhizobia/legume interactions. The unit was geared for 7th grade students and high school biology.

The following resources were written by the following individuals as part of a Plant BLOOME grant:

• Kerrie Rovito, NBCT, Waters Elementary School, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, USA
• Lara Smetana, Ph.D. School of Education, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, USA
• Michael Grillo, Ph.D. College of Arts & Sciences, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, USA
• Alyssa Hoffman, North Grand High School, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, USA
• Sydney DelGhingaro, Marie Curie High School, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago, USA

• Instructor Primer– Inquiry overview, learning objectives, materials, teacher background reading
• Pacing Guide– Suggested timeline for implementing this lesson plan with activity description and materials
• Full Lesson Plan– Includes instructor primer, pacing guide, and additional resources
• Slides Presentation for High School and Middle School Classrooms– Lecture material slides

Handouts Referenced in Lesson Plan:

• • Procedure, Pre-Lab Questions & Hypotheses 
  • Plant Observation Log
  • Poster Rubric for Comparing the Nitrogen Cycle to Another System
  • NPK and pH Testing
  • Scientific Model template and grading rubric