Contextualization

Understanding the movement of matter in our natural world is a fundamental concept in biology. This concept refers to the idea that matter is constantly being recycled and reused by the various organisms within an ecosystem.

In this project, we will focus on three key players in this movement of matter: plants, animals, and decomposers. Plants, through the process of photosynthesis, take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They also take in nutrients from the soil. Animals, in turn, consume plants and other animals, releasing carbon dioxide through respiration. Finally, decomposers break down dead organisms and waste material, returning nutrients to the soil.

This cycle of matter is known as the biogeochemical cycle. It is a complex, but an essential process that sustains life on our planet. By understanding this cycle, we can better appreciate the interconnectedness of all organisms in an ecosystem and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance.

The study of the movement of matter has real-world applications. For example, understanding how pollutants can disrupt this cycle can help us make more informed decisions about how to protect our environment. This is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, where human activity is causing significant disruptions to these natural cycles.

Resources

• National Geographic Kids: The Water Cycle
• BBC Bitesize: The Carbon Cycle
• Khan Academy: The Nitrogen Cycle
• Sciencing: The Phosphorus Cycle
• YouTube: Biogeochemical Cycles

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Exploring the Role of Plants, Animals, and Decomposers in the Movement of Matter"

Objective of the Project:

The main objective of this project is to understand how matter is continually recycled and reused by plants, animals, and decomposers in an ecosystem. Furthermore, students will explore how human activities can disrupt these natural cycles.

Detailed Description of the Project:

In this project, students will create a miniature ecosystem in a jar. This ecosystem will include a plant, an animal (a small invertebrate like a snail or a worm), and decomposer material (like a small piece of decaying leaf). The students will observe and record the changes in the jar over a period of time, noting how the plant, animal, and decomposer interact and contribute to the movement of matter.

Necessary Materials:

• A clear glass jar with a lid
• A small plant (a small potted plant or a sprout will work)
• A small invertebrate (like a snail or a worm)
• A small piece of decaying organic matter (like a leaf or a piece of fruit)
• Soil
• Water

Detailed Step-by-Step for Carrying Out the Activity:

1. Setting Up the Ecosystem: Fill the jar about one-third full with soil. Plant the small plant in the soil, making sure it is securely rooted.

2. Adding the Animal: Add the invertebrate to the jar. Make sure it is an animal that won't harm the plant.

3. Introducing the Decomposer Material: Place the piece of decaying organic matter in the jar. This will serve as a food source for the decomposers.

4. Creating the Cycle: Water the plant as needed. Over time, the plant will take in the water and nutrients from the soil, the animal will consume the plant and excrete waste material, and the decomposers will break down the waste material and return nutrients to the soil.

5. Observation and Recording: Each week, students should observe and record any changes in the jar. This could include growth of the plant, changes in the invertebrate's behavior, or the decomposition of the organic matter.

6. Discussion and Analysis: At the end of the project, students should discuss and analyze their observations. How did the plant, animal, and decomposer interact? How did they contribute to the movement of matter in the jar? What would happen if one of these organisms was not present?

Project Deliverables:

At the end of the project, students should collaborate to produce a written report. This report should contain the following sections:

1. Introduction: Here, students should provide an overview of the project, its objectives, and its real-world relevance. They should also explain the biogeochemical cycle and its importance.

2. Development: This section should detail the theory behind the biogeochemical cycles and explain the activity in detail. Students should also include a description of their methodology and a presentation and analysis of their observations.

3. Conclusion: Students should conclude their report by summarizing the main points and the key learnings from the project. They should also draw conclusions about the role of plants, animals, and decomposers in the movement of matter and the potential impacts of disrupting these cycles.

4. Bibliography: Finally, students should provide a list of the sources they used in their research.

The report should be written in a clear and organized manner. It should demonstrate a deep understanding of the biogeochemical cycles and the students' observations within their mini-ecosystem. The report should be detailed and informative, providing a clear picture of the students' understanding and insights.