Decomposition
TEKS Objective
The student is expected to explore and record how soils are formed by weathering of rock and the decomposition of plant and animal remains.
Essential Understanding
The student knows that Earth consists of natural resources and its surface is constantly changing.
Science Background
Microbiology of Decomposition: Bottle Biology (website) - Helpful description of, and information about the succession of changes and organisms involved with decomposition.
Microbiology of Decomposition
Bottle Biology, www.bottlebiology.org
Signature Lesson
Composting - A Scientific Investigation: California Academy of Sciences (website) - In this investigation students will explore and record how microorganisms break plant matter into the component materials that make up soil.
Composting - A Scientific Investigation
California Academy of Sciences, www.calacademy.org
Decomposition Column: Bottle Biology (website) - Describes how to build "Decomposition Investigation Columns" from two-liter soft drink bottles, in which students can observe and investigate decomposition.
- Supporting Lessons
- Extensions
- Assessment Ideas
- Literature Connections
- Related
TEKS - Additional Resources
Supporting Lessons
The Rotten Truth: Environmental Protection Agency (website) - Students learn about the decomposition process by composting small pieces of their lunch.
The Rotten Truth
Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov
Speed of Decomposition: Science Fair Adventure (website) - Determine which combination of factors (air and light or complete darkness and stagnant air) causes fruits and vegetables to decompose more quickly.
Speed of Decomposition
Science Fair Adventure, www.sciencefairadventure.com
Elaboration Lessons and Extensions
Buried Treasure: US Environmental Protection Agency (website) - Students learn about the role that soil micro- and macro-organisms play in the decomposition process.
Buried Treasure
Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov
Assessment Ideas
Conduct a two-week project seeking to answer the question, Can everything be turned into compost? Materials: banana peel, apple core, newspaper, leaves, potato chip bag and/or other items chosen by the class. Instruct students to complete the following steps.
1. Place each sample in a different container, covered with soil, and put a lid on the container.
2. Water the soil in each container every day (just enough to keep the soil damp). Don’t let the soil dry out or freeze.
3. Record your observations in the same way you did for Steps 2-5 in the Banana Breakdown activity.
Literature Connections
Compost Critters. Lavies, Blanca (ISBN: 0-525-44763-6)
Waste Disposal. Morgan, Sally (ISBN: 0-531-14557-3)
Soil. Ditchfield, Christin (ISBN-10: 0516293680)
Dirt: Jump Into Science. Tomecek, Steve (ISBN-10: 0792282043)
The Magic School Bus Meets The Rot Squad: A Book About Decomposition. Cole, Joanna (ISBN-10: 0590400231)
Additional Resources
Soil Treasure Hunt: The GLOBE Program (PDF) - Students will predict what they think they will find in a sample of soil, and learn about natural components commonly found in soil and how those things impact how the soil looks and feels.
TEKS Navigation
Grade 3
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