California Academy of Science
Carbon Cycle Role Play
Anytime you make concepts clear with role playing or hands-on experience, it's a win for the whole class. Ping-Pong balls are used to represent carbon in a carbon cycle role-play activity. In small groups, children first discuss what...
Curated OER
Up the Down Tree House
Students investigate the decomposition process. In this ecology lesson, students participate in a play, "Up the Treehouse" where the main idea focuses on a decomposing tree and how food chains are effected by decomposition. After the...
Curated OER
A Design You’ll Dig: Designing a Habitat for Worms
Students discover how worms contribute to the balance of the environment. In this composting lesson plan, students study the composting and decomposition processes. Students then create habitats for worms that allow them to do their jobs.
Virginia Department of Education
The Cycles of Nature
Encourage peer collaboration and assist with the creation of visual aids to identify carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles as your class learns more about nature. They discuss relative information, create a visual aid depicting the chosen...
Curated OER
Buried Treasure
Students examine the role of micro and macro organisms in the decomposition process. They record their observations and discuss. They also read a book about decomposition.
NASA
Decomposers Get Energy From Dead Things
When life gives you mold, make penicillin. Scholars design an inquiry experiment to determine what causes rotting and mold growth. It also covers decomposers and the important role they play for other living things.
Curated OER
Let's Build a Worm Bin
Students explore the process of decomposition. For this ecology and measurement lesson, students prepare a worm home to be used for vermicomposting. Students weigh a group of worms and the added food, recording this information on a data...
Curated OER
Worm Composting
Second graders discuss worm composting. In this decomposition instructional activity, 2nd graders look at the anatomy of the worm and how it eats food. They have their own worm bin and review what foods can and can not be given to the...
Curated OER
Bacterial Roles
Students study bacteria and the role it plays in the ecosystem. In this bacteria lesson students research the roles bacteria has and submit a chart.
Curated OER
Microorganisms: Good Guys or Bad Guys?
Students discover the role microorganisms play in our lives. In this decomposition instructional activity, students examine decaying foods and plants in order to analyze the different bacteria that grows. Students discuss the good and...
Curated OER
Microorganisms
Though there are seventy-seven slides in this PowerPoint, only small bits of information are presented on each. It outlines the roles microorganisms play in the environment and spends time listing characteristics of each four different...