Students hear a story of a scientist who studies microbe decomposers, then plan and take a trip outside to collect items for culturing microbes.
Students will be able to: realize that scientists study decomposition to create knowledge that people can use to make wise decisions about how to manage land so it stays fertile, give examples of biotic and abiotic items, find evidence of decomposition outdoors.
Session 1
For the class:
- petri dish or other clear container with flat bottom and cover|
- newsprint sheets for class lists
- sandwhich size ziplock bags
- small eraser or piece of chalk
Session 2
For the class:
- newsprint for leaf continuum
For each pair of students:
- 2 sandwich size ziplock bags
- masking tape or permanent marker
- 2 hand lens (optional)
- ruler (optional)
See Lesson Resources below for further details.
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies | Millbrook, New York 12545 | Tel (845) 677-5343