Composting

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
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.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 4 weeks
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • poster paper
  • markers
  • bin (wire or wood)
  • carbon sources
  • nitrogen sources
  • access to water
  • shovels
  • soil
  • thermometers

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Oceans and Water
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Viruses and Bacteria
      • Protists and Fungi
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Human Impact
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Chemistry
      • Chemistry of Life
  • 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

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