Science Ecosystems & Habitats Conceptual 10–11 yrs

Matter Cycling in Ecosystems

生态系统中的物质循环

Description

Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment in an ecosystem

Mastery Evidence
  • Describe the role of decomposers (fungi, bacteria, worms) in breaking down dead matter
  • Trace the movement of matter: plant grows using soil nutrients → animal eats plant → animal dies → decomposers return nutrients to soil
  • Create or interpret a simple diagram showing matter cycling through an ecosystem
Assessment Prompt

Can your child explain what happens to a fallen leaf on the forest floor — how tiny organisms break it down and the nutrients go back into the soil to help new plants grow?