Ready for action?
Resources
Tangible Resources
Access to the internet. Clear containers/jars approx. 10 pcs. One container with holes, soil from the garden placed in a bucket, peelings, leftovers, handkerchiefs, paper towels, rolls of toilet paper, eggshells, lettuce, California earthworms, biodegradable bag, two thermometers, disposable gloves for each participant. Optional: camera, mobile phone for the photo-story
Preparation
Print pictures of types of waste on cards, prepare materials for experiments.
Goals, messages & concepts
Specific goals
- To observe the processes taking place in the composter and learn the rules of proper composting.
- To conduct a biological experiment, understanding the terms: test sample, control sample, and hypothesis.
- To formulate conclusions from the experiments.
Specific messages
- Bacteria, fungi and small invertebrates have important roles in the composting processes.
- Processes taking place in the composter are affected by different conditions.
Main terms
- composting
- research method
Practices & skills
STEM practices
- Analysing and interpreting data
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Asking questions and defining problems
- Planning and carrying out investigations
Soft skills
- Learning failure is a part of learning
- Teamwork and collaboration
Management skills
- Planning
- Use of resources
Course of activity
step 1
In preparation for this Learning Unit, students prepare information on composting from various sources (internet, leaflets on separation waste, etc.) in advance.
step 2
Discuss the importance of composting. Is it necessary? Does it make sense? Why should waste be separated and some of it composted?
step 3
Divide students into 4 groups. Each group receives pictures of types of waste, to be separated into compostable and non-compostable groups. Check as a class.
step 4
In groups, carry out a series of experiments testing different elements of composting:
Group 1: Check the rate of decomposition of various items such as
- fruit and vegetable peelings,
- paper plates, cups, toilet paper rolls,
- eggshells
- green parts of plants
Place a layer of soil in a clear container, followed by the chosen waste product, and topped with a second layer of soil.
Group 2: Check the influence of earthworms on compost formation. Prepare four containers with access to air. Place soil in the first 2 containers, and soil + organic waste in the second 2 containers. Add earthworms to one out of each pair of containers.
Group 3: Check whether the temperature of air has an influence on the processes taking place in the composter. Fill 3 or more clear containers with soil and organic waste, then put them in different places such as a refrigerator, the classroom, and the school yard.
Group 4: Check the influence of oxygen on compost formation. Fill 2 clear containers with soil and organic waste, filling one outside and making the other airtight. Then move them to the same location.
step 5
Prepare experiment reports on the basis of which observations will be made.
step 6
Conduct observations over 2 weeks.
step 7
Conducting observations.
step 8
Prepare results and conclusions, to be presented in any way chosen by the students.
step 9
Presentation of the results and conclusions in any way chosen by the students.