Calculating Leaf Breakdown

Activity Summary
Leaf decomposition is an important ecological process in stream ecosystems. The rate at which leaves decompose determines how quickly essential nutrients are replenished into the system. In this lab students will set up a leaf decomposition experiment in the lab. The first week students will set up the experiment, and the second week students will calculate decomposition.

Grade Levels
9-12

Learning Objectives
1. List the stages of decomposition
2. Explain why leaf decomposition is important in stream ecosystems

Lesson Materials (view or download)
PowerPoint
Lesson Plans

Keywords
decomposition, stream ecosystems

Last updated: 3/2/2015