---
title: "SEC4: Biogeochemical Cycles and Energy Flow (Georgia Science standard)"
code: SEC4
cite_as: Georgia Standards of Excellence, Science, SEC4
subject: science
grades:
  - high-school
language: en
canonical_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SEC4
md_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/code/SEC4.md
alternate_language_url: https://georgiahomeroom.org/es/standards/code/SEC4.md
source_url: https://case.georgiastandards.org/ims/case/v1p1/CFDocuments/27a08dc6-416e-11e7-ba71-02bd89fdd987
source_last_changed: 2025-05-29
data_built: 2026-09-18
publisher: Georgia Homeroom, a free public-interest project of Georgia Civic Data. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Georgia Department of Education or any school district.
up: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md
index: https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/index.md
---

# SEC4: Biogeochemical Cycles and Energy Flow

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about biogeochemical cycles and how the flow of energy influences ecosystems.

- Subject: Science
- Appears in: High School, https://georgiahomeroom.org/standards/science/high-school.md

## Expectations

- **SEC4.a**: Plan and carry out an investigation of the movement of nitrogen and phosphorus through an ecosystem as a limiting factor in plant communities related to aquatic system succession. (Clarification statement: Field experience or scientific research study should be included.)
- **SEC4.b**: Construct an explanation of the movement of carbon through an ecosystem. (Clarification statement: Focus is on ecological processes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, not on anthropogenic influences.)
- **SEC4.c**: Develop a model utilizing the first and second laws of thermodynamics and the law of conservation of matter to explain and illustrate the flow of energy and matter in ecosystems.
- **SEC4.d**: Construct an argument based on evidence to explain the relationship between net primary productivity and biodiversity.

## Georgia Milestones coverage

No Georgia Milestones blueprint cites this standard.

Source: Georgia Standards of Excellence, published by the Georgia Department of Education at case.georgiastandards.org.