Life Science · Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
Microorganisms: Helpful, Harmful & Decomposers
Use microscope images, role evidence, and decomposition models to compare bacteria, yeast, molds, and other microorganisms as decomposers, helpful organisms, or harmful organisms.
Lesson plan
Microorganisms: Helpful, Harmful & Decomposers
A step-by-step guide to help you teach this lesson.
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Lesson overview
What students will learn
- Describe microorganisms as a diverse group of tiny organisms with different roles.
- Use evidence to classify microorganism examples as decomposers, helpful, harmful, or context-dependent.
Key science ideas
- Microorganisms include many bacteria, yeasts, molds, and protists.
- Many microorganisms are harmless, and some are useful to people or ecosystems.
- Some bacteria and fungi act as decomposers that break down dead material.
Lesson at a glance
- Grade 5
- 55 min
- ~12 min prep
- 5 materials
What’s included
- Lesson Plan
- Investigation
- Teacher Slides
- Printable Worksheet
- Teacher Answer Key
- Interactive Activity
- Vocabulary