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In this environmental science activity, learners research what is essential for plant life and the necessary components of soil to support plants. Then, learners plan, design and build compost bins to further understand the process of decomposition and the products of decomposition that enrich soil. Learners put the bins to use for multiple weeks, recording the temperature and look of decomposing material and noting differences from week to week.
- Under 5 minutes
- 1 to 4 weeks
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- poster paper
- markers
- bin (wire or wood)
- carbon sources
- nitrogen sources
- access to water
- shovels
- soil
- thermometers
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Earth Structure
- Rocks and Minerals
- Oceans and Water
-
Earth Structure
-
Life Sciences
-
Diversity of Life
- Plants
- Viruses and Bacteria
- Protists and Fungi
-
Ecology
- Ecosystems
- Human Impact
-
Diversity of Life
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Collection
- Data Representation
- Measurement
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
Physical Sciences
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
-
Chemistry
- Chemistry of Life
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
-
The Nature of Science
- Science and Society
-
The Scientific Process
- Asking Questions
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Nature of Technology
-
The Design Process
- Research and Development
-
The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Gardening
- Nature and Environment
- Outdoor Activity
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, University of Minnesota, 2009
Funding Source:
- TOYOTA