7th Grade Science

Studying life science, physical science, and Earth science integration.

Cells and Living SystemsMatter and Its PropertiesEarth’s Structure and Systems
Genetics and HeredityForces, Motion, and EnergyCycles in Nature
Scientific InvestigationsEnvironmental StewardshipConnecting Science to Everyday Life
Active Note-TakingPractice with Real-World Problems
Cells and Living Sys...Matter and Its Prope...Earth’s Structure an...Genetics and Heredit...Forces, Motion, and ...Cycles in NatureScientific Investiga...Environmental Stewar...Connecting Science t...Active Note-TakingPractice with Real-W...
Advanced Topics

Cycles in Nature

How Nature Recycles Everything

The Earth has many natural cycles that keep life going. These cycles move matter and energy through the environment.

Key Cycles

  • Water Cycle: Water moves from oceans to clouds to rain and back again.
  • Carbon Cycle: Carbon moves between the atmosphere, living things, and the ground.
  • Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrogen goes from the air into soil and living things, then back to the air.

Importance

These cycles support life by recycling essential elements and keeping ecosystems balanced.

Impact of Humans

Human activities can disrupt these cycles, causing pollution or climate change. Protecting the cycles helps keep Earth healthy.

Examples

  • Rain falls, collects in rivers, and evaporates to form clouds again (water cycle).

  • Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis (carbon cycle).

In a Nutshell

Natural cycles recycle matter and energy to support all living things.

Key Terms

Water Cycle
The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
Carbon Cycle
The movement of carbon through the environment.
Nitrogen Cycle
The process that moves nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and living things.
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Scientific Investigations