Do not let the class just sit and rot. Pupils learn how decomposition and nutrient recycling is important to an ecosystem. Groups design an experiment to determine how environmental conditions affect decomposition. They develop a poster to present their findings.

Concepts

decomposition, bacteria, fungi, soil, experimental design, controlled experiments, technology resources

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Additional Tags

decomposition

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Instructional Ideas

• Use the detailed carrot rotting experiment for those needing more structure

Classroom Considerations

• Uses time spread across a couple of class periods for final presentation prep and presentations

Pros

• Provides readings for an introduction
• Includes suggestions for extensions
• Contains ways to conduct an after-lesson assessment

Cons

• None

Common Core

6.EE.C.9 6.SP.B.4 7.RP.A.2.a 8.EE.B.5 8.SP.A.1 8.SP.A.2