Teacher Information

for playing the Nitrogen Fate and Transformations Game (NFTG)

The NFTG is modeled after the Milton Bradely game called Chutes and Ladders, and is played similarly.

The NFTG has been used to teach the Nitrogen cycle and nutrient management to high school and undergraduate students as well as at workshops to teach crop consultants, natural resource conservation personnel, and agricultural extension agents. The NFTG also has been used by 4-H groups, at Field Day booths, and even at some elementary schools to introduce the nitrogen cycle to children.

The NFTG allows the teacher to retain the attention of students who may already know the nitrogen cycle while those who do not know about the nitrogen cycle, those who have never had a basic chemistry class or soil class, and those who may be intimidated by chemical formulae can learn the cylce more easily.

Before Playing the NFTG:

The teacher can draw the Nitrogen cycle on a flip chart or on the blackboard without writing in the nitrogen transformation terms and ask the students to fill in the blanks.

NFTG Playing Options:

For small groups (<25): Either make individual small game boards and set them out on desks or tables, or place one large game board on the floor with players standing on the squares while the audience gathers around the gameboard.

For larger groups (>25): Attach the gameboard to a wall while players place their hands on the appropriate squares, as the game proceeds.

Follow Up Activities:

Once the game is over you can begin a discussion about the different paths nitrogen takes, what transformations occur that affect plant uptake of nitrogen, resulting pollution of water and air when excess nitrogen exists in the environment, and what affects nitrogen has on aquatic life,wildlife, and humans. Environmental conditions that limit or favor nitrogen cycle transformations can also be discussed.

After playing the NFTG, teachers can assign different nitrogen transformation processes to students and have them design a system that maximizes or minimizes the process. Students can present their findings and participate in a group discussion about the tradeoffs and implications related to excess nitrogen in our environment.

Back to NFTG Introduction Page

Information derived from: "The Nitrogen Fate and Transformations Game", designed and written by Jessica G. Davis, Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education, Vol. 26, no. 2, p.135-138, 1997.