Warm-Up
• What energy transformation happens in
photosynthesis?
• What organelle does photosynthesis happen
in?
• Draw a picture of the word “Cycle”.
Cycling of Matter
Big Ideas
7.5B Demonstrate and explain the cycling
of matter within living systems such as in
the decay of biomass in a compost bin
• I can draw a diagram that shows
the cycling of matter.
• I can explain composting using
science vocabulary.
Cycling Reflection
• Diagram the cycling of matter.
• Explain composting in complete
sentences.
–Use vocabulary words such as:
decay, biomass, compost bin,
decomposer, Law of Conservation.
Matter
• Anything that has mass & volume
(takes up space)
• Examples:
–Plants & Animals
–Water
–Air
Law of Conservation
of Matter
• Matter cannot be created
• Or destroyed
• Only can be rearranged
• Beginning Matter = End Matter
• How could you have part of a
dinosaur inside you?
Dinosaur
(Carnivore)
Dead dinosaur
Or Feces
Plants
Decomposers
Decomposer
• Organisms that chemically break down dead
organisms & feces, and returns nutrients to the soil
• Examples: mushrooms, worms, bacteria,
microorganisms, dung beetles, mold, insects,
maggots
Biomass
• Dead plants & animals, feces/manure
• Renewable energy source from biotic factors
• A tropical rainforest has more biomass than a
desert
Compost Bin
(video)
• Container filled with dirt, leaves, grass, etc.
• Decomposers break it down chemically into humus (natural
fertilizer)
• Needs: moisture, air, rotated, nitrogen, carbon
• Temperature increases
• Amount of biomass reduces
Process of Decaying
• Reduces Biomass
• Increases temperature
• Click below for Video Clips
–Fruit & Vegetables
–Rabbit
Need to know about
DECOMPOSITION
• Organic matter is broken down chemically by
decomposers, returned to the soil
• Temperature increases because heat energy is
released by decomposers.
• Biomass is reduced during decomposition.
• New plants use the nutrients from the soil to grow.
• Animals get nutrients they need from plants and
other animals.
• Nutrients needed: energy, nitrogen, carbon
Cycling of Matter
Producer/Plant/Autotroph
Humus = Fertilizer
Dead Plant/Animal =
Biomass
Water Cycle
What would happen to the water cycle without the Sun?
Carbon Cycle
What would happen if deforestation took place?
More cars?
Cycling Reflection
• Diagram the cycling of matter.
• Explain composting in complete
sentences.
–Use vocabulary words such as:
decay, biomass, compost bin,
decomposer, Law of Conservation.