• This time-lapse video demonstrates the difference between soils with and without invertebrate decomposers.
  
• Two additional videos and a brief article show and describe how invertebrates accelerate decomposition and why bioturbation is important for soil fertility. 
• Bioturbation increases nutrients for plants, aerates the soil, allows for better water infiltration, and improves biodiversity and soil quality.

Positives

• The absence of narration provides an excellent opportunity for students to describe the phenomenon they observe.
• The speed of the video can be adjusted to slow it down or speed it up, which may be helpful.
  

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should be familiar with the concept of decomposition.
  

Differentiation

• Since there is no audio, have students describe what they think they are observing during the first viewing of the video.
• Have students draw a diagram or picture to define what they think bioturbation is after the first viewing of the video.
• Students could investigate composting on their own or set up a composting bin/area as a class to more deeply understand the content.
• Have students describe the fungi that is decomposing leaf litter in the non-flora chamber and then show students this video about how fungi are vital to plants and this video and article about the importance of fungi for adapting to climate change.

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.