Cornell University
Cornell University: Cornell Composting: The Science and Engineering Composting Composting
This clickable web page is like an outline that comprehensively covers the science of composting. Each link takes you to another section of notes.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Composting and Vermiculture
Make your own fertile soil using kitchen scraps, manure, leaves, grass clippings, and other compostable materials. Which materials make the best compost?
Cornell University
Cornell University: Cornell Composting: Composting in Schools
Composting in schools, what's the value in it? Not only will it reduce your waste, it is a great science project. Try it out and learn how the earth "feeds" itself.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Project Ideas: Decomposing Energy: Heat Energy From Compost
In this energy and power science fair project, the student will calculate the heat energy produced by an active compost pile, surrounding a tin can filled with water. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: How Diets Affect Earthworms and the Soil They Enrich
In this environment-oriented experiment, you will mix it up with earthworms, soil, and various types of organic kitchen scraps. The basic idea is to set up small earthworm colonies to compost different types of food waste. You test the...
Other
Paul's Garden World: The Science of Composting
Very thorough description of different organisms involved in decomposing organic material through composting. Includes actinomycetes, bacteria, fungi, and a variety of macro-organisms which also function as decomposers. Also discusses...
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Habitat Network: Compost
Are people wasting yard waste? Why not turn a small corner of a backyard into a nutrient source that not only replenishes the soil but supports the base of the bird food pyramid.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: The Big Dig
Even though many cities have recycling programs, a lot of trash still ends up in the dump. Find out which materials will break down and which materials won't. Will the results of this experiment change which products you often buy?
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Tceq: Lesson Plans & Resources for Teaching Environmental Sciences [Pdf]
A large collection of lesson plans on environmental topics. The lessons are broken up into the broad categories of air, water, and waste, and look at issues around quality, pollution, conservation, and recycling. There are activities for...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: 3 Rc (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Compost)
In this instructional activity, students expand their understanding of solid waste management to include the idea of 3RC (reduce, reuse, recycle and compost). They will look at the effects of packaging decisions (reducing) and learn...
University of Missouri
Microbes in Action: Classroom Activities: Composting by Microbes
A science experiment to observe how materials decompose over time, By recording the smell, appearance, and movement of materials over three weeks, students will be able to make conclusions about their decompositions. Students will also...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Composting Nature's Disappearing Act
In this activity, students explore the idea of biodegradability by building and observing a model landfill. This serves as an introduction to the idea of composting. Students learn about the role of engineering in solid waste management.
Curated OER
Cornell University: The Science and Engineering Composting Composting
This clickable web page is like an outline that comprehensively covers the science of composting. Each link takes you to another section of notes.
US Environmental Protection Agency
Epa: Dumptown Game
This fun game helps students learn ways to recycle, reduce waste, and compost. You can also create your own Recycle City Scavenger Hunt.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Solid Waste Takes Over
For this lesson, students explore solid waste and its effects on the environment. They will collect classroom trash for analysis and build model landfills in order to understand the process and impact of solid waste management. Students...
Other
Writing Scientific Reports
This tutorial site provides links to articles about writing a scientific report or essay as well as to sample essays.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Bury Your Trash!
This activity will allow students to bury various pieces of trash in a plotted area of land outside. After approximately two to three months, the trash will be uncovered to allow the students to investigate what types of materials...