Name: ______________________________

Date: _______________________________

5th Grade Science Study Guide

Cycles in Nature
Vocabulary to Know:
Study Hint: Write out the definitions of these words on index cards (flash cards) or make
a vocabulary flip book to help you study!  Use the definitions from the science
textbook and information in your science binder to help.

Nitrogen cycle condensation surface water

Carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle precipitation percolation
Water cycle transpiration water vapor
Evaporation ground water fossil fuel
Nitrates ammonia nitrogen fixation

Things to think about:

Study Hint: Write out the answers to each of these questions on notebook paper or on
index cards. You can also draw pictures/diagrams on paper, and/or make your own
Power Point slides, etc. to help you study. You should also review the study aides that
we made in class. These should be in the Ziploc bag in your binder. Be sure to look the
information up in the science book and in your science binder so that you study the
correct things for the test! (DO NOT just rely on your memory at this point!)

1. Identify and describe the stages of the water cycle—beginning at ANY point in
the cycle.

2. Identify and describe the stages of the nitrogen cycle—beginning at ANY point in
the cycle.

3. Identify and describe the stages of the carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle—beginning at

ANY point in the cycle. (HINT: Focus on what things release carbon into the
atmosphere and which organisms help to remove carbon from the atmosphere.)

4. Describe the significance of the water, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide-oxygen

cycles. Why is each one important to life on earth?

5. What would happen if we changed some part of the water cycle?

EX: What would happen if the air in the upper atmosphere were warmer
than water vapor in the air?
What would happen to the water cycle in an area where many trees
were cut down?
Do rain puddles disappear more quickly on a cloudy day or on a
clear day? WHY?
6. What would happen if we changed some part of the nitrogen cycle?
EX: What would happen to the nitrogen cycle if organisms lived forever?
What would happen to the nitrogen cycle if bacteria in the soil was
unable to fix nitrogen into ammonia and nitrates?

7. What would happen if we changed some part of the carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle?
EX: What would happen to the carbon dioxide-oxygen cycle if we used
alternative energy sources such as solar energy more often than fossil
fuels?
What are some ways that we can help to keep the carbon dioxide-
oxygen cycle in balance?

8. What role do plants and animals play in the water cycle?

9. How do chemicals and pesticides get into groundwater supplies? Why is this
harmful?

10. What percentage of Earth’s atmosphere is made of nitrogen? What percentage is

oxygen? What percentage is other gases, including carbon dioxide?

11. Why is having too much carbon dioxide in our atmosphere a potential hazard?

**IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT!**
STUDENT DECLARATION: I studied for at least 25 minutes every night for this
test, using the recommended study hints and other study techniques that I know work
well for me.
____________________________________________
(student signature)

PARENT AFFIRMATION: My child studied for at least 25 minutes every night for
this test. I affirm that I witnessed this study guide being used to help my child
prepare for the science exam.

_____________________________________________
(parent/guardian signature)

THIS STU DY GUIDE IS TO BE RETURNED TO SCHOOL ON TEST DAY.

IT WILL BE COLLECTED PRIOR TO THE EXAM ADMINISTRATION.

Thank you for your hard work! 