This activity focuses on the function of decomposers in food webs using a
modified game of tag that simulates the role of decomposers in converting dead plants/animals (organic matter) to nutrients for living plants/animals in an ecosystem.
This is a modified game of tag, where students play different functional groups in the ecosystem: decomposers, living plants and animals, and dead plants and animals (organic matter). Different rounds with slightly different roles and rules illustrate key concepts about decomposers.
In this activity, students learn the importance of decomposers in terms of
breaking down dead organic matter and their broader importance in food webs in terms of nutrient recycling and bioturbation.
After discussing decomposers and their importance in the soil food web and
terrestrial ecosystem, students can create a log hotel, which is a terrarium habitat for common backyard decomposer organisms. Once they create their
habitat, they can find decomposers in their yard or local park to add and
observe. Decomposers are easy pets to keep and the log hotel can be kept
indefinitely!
Students will understand the complexity of the soil biome, including the interaction of all organisms, from microorganisms, to plants, to insects and vertebrates.
Students will understand the characteristics of a healthy soil, including how energy, water, and nutrients cycle through it; healthy soil structures; and the impact of soil textures.
Students play the role of nitrogen atoms traveling through the nitrogen cycle to gain understanding of the varied pathways through the cycle and the relevance of nitrogen to living things.
The lessons in this Soils Overview Unit provide students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of soil science through the integration of disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. The unit includes six sections, each containing learning objectives, background information, student information, selected resources, and ties to the NGSS standards
Soils are alive! This SSSA video shows how “alive” soils are given the diversity and complexity of life in soils. Soil biology is what makes soil more than dirt.
