1. Nature’s Recyclers The Study of Decomposers’ Cells

2. Decomposers  Worms, bacteria, and fungi  What role do they play in an ecosystem?

3. Decomposers  Organisms that eat dead organisms  Consume dead organisms and waste material

4. Decomposers  Important to ecosystems because of their ability to recycle important nutrients like carbon and nitrogen

5. Decomposers  Break down dead material that can be absorbed by plants

6. Nematodes  Tiny worms more commonly known as round worms  Small or microscopic

7. Nematodes  Contain a digestive system, mouth, pharyns, intestine, rectum and anus

8. Word Sorts  Algae  Plants  Producers  Phytoplankton  crayfish

9. Word Sorts  Zooplankton  Algae  Humans  Consumers  Bass

10. Word Sorts  Zebra Mussel  Carbon Dioxide  Photosynthesis  Water  Sunlight

11. Focus Question  What is the role of nematodes or decomposers in an ecosystem?

12. Hypothesis  The role of the nematode or decomposer in an ecosystem is to _________________________.

13. Experiment  Set up Nematode Extractor  Wait 24 hours  Look at slides under microscope  Record observations