Discover - What is decomposition?

Decomposition is the rotting of dead plants and animals.  Nature’s recyclers, decomposers, break down these dead plants and animals!  This natural waste, the dead plants and animals, is food for the decomposers.  Decomposers may seem to have a gross job, but it is a very important job!  Without decomposers, we would be smothered in dead plant and animal waste.  Small creatures such as bacteria, fungi, snails, earthworms, flies, slugs, termites, and beetles are decomposers who work to clean up natural waste.

 BrainPOP

Watch the BrainPop video Food Chains to see why decomposers are so important for life on earth. As you watch the video, think about these questions:

  • Where do decomposers fit in food chains?

  • What do decomposers do?

  • What are some examples of decomposers?

BrainPOP: Food Chains video

username: 0099

password: students

 Notebook: What is decomposition and how do decomposers help?

After watching the Food Chains video (above):
  1. Click here to download this activity.
  2. Complete the activity and save it to your Waste Notebook.

     Digging Deeper

    Construct a photo blog with the observations you write in your data chart.  Take a picture each time you record data to submit with the chart.  Write a blog about the changes you observe.

    Skill Builder

    Click here to learn how to construct a photo blog.