1. Scoop up some compost in a reused container such as a margarine tub.
2: Pour some compost onto a sheet of paper in a shallow box.
Looking through a magnifying glass carefully sort through and spread out the compost with a spoon.
Look for movement - that moving speck might be a mite!
3: Leave some compost spread out in the original container.
Periodically look again, watching for movement.
4: Use your aspirator collector to catch any animals you spot.
Then, remove the lid and observe with a magnifying glass.
Tip: To slow down a speedy animal, refrigerate or ice the jar.
5: Using a spoon, put the animal on a microscope slide with a small depression in the middle and put a cover slide over it.
Observe through a microscope and make an accurate diagram.
Do research to identify as many of the animals as possible and to discover the roles they play in the compost habitat. Finally, prepare and present a report on what you find.
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