Students vote on the best design based on practicality and cost. Then they help in construction of the design. Once the pile has been built, material is placed into the container and the investigations begin. Science students are given several experiments to conduct and are asked to develop their own investigations to submit to the class for consideration. One experiment finds if any relationship exists between the outside air temperature and the temperature of the composting material.
Students gather, organize, graph and analyze their data to find the answer.
A second experiment examines the time it takes different materials to decompose. Periodically, students examine the effects of the decomposition process on the various materials. Through these two activities, students better understand the factors which affect decomposition and become more aware of the problem concerning the disposal of various wastes. Overall Value Students are excited about this project. Allowing them to develop and conduct their own investigations gives them the chance to practice science.