Day 1: Introducing Microbes as Decomposers
Objectives
Students propose how dead plants disappear over time, then examine mold, and talk about microbes as decomposers.
Time:
1 hour
Setting:
Classroom
Materials
For the class:
- paper grocery bag of dead plant material
- sheet of newprint
- copy of Who Eats What guide
For each pair of students:
- sandwich-size ziplock baggie of moldy squash or pumpkin (see "Planning Ahead")
- 2 hand lenses
Procedure
See Lesson Resources below for further details.
Lesson Resources
- Introducing Microbes as Decomposers (pdf, 649 KB)
- Contains "Planning Ahead" and "Resource List" (pdf, 829 KB)
NYS Standards
MST 4- Physical setting, living environment and nature of science
Benchmarks for Science Literacy
5D Interdependence of Life
5E Flow of Matter and Energy