Increase Composting
Articles/Websites
Grades9, 10, 11, 12, APBiology, Earth and Space Sciences
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Provided by Project Drawdown
What it is
- This interactive article explores the benefits of composting as a climate solution, along with adoption and integration scenarios, co-benefits, and suggested personal actions.
- Students will learn about the emissions benefits of composting on a 20-yr and 100-yr timeframe, the financial costs and benefits associated with composting, and other benefits such as less fertilizer use and better water quality that benefit humans and nature.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The graphs and infographics help communicate the data for students.
- The expandable sections provide additional information, without making the initial view of the webpage overwhelming for students.
Prerequisites
- Students should have a basic understanding of the metric system, since the data is presented in metric tons.
- The vocabulary is rigorous, so a definition list or graphic organizer will be appropriate.
Differentiation & Implementation
- This article is a great addition to lessons about the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, or decomposition.
- For small-group instruction, students can work together by taking notes on each section and creating questions about their assigned portion. Then, students can trade questions with other groups, ending with a student-led discussion.
- Probability and statistics connections can be made in math classes, as there are several data points to evaluate costs and benefits over time, and the effects on the climate.
- Students in English or language arts classes can use the article to evaluate the author's purpose and scientific writing styles or as practice for reading more complex scientific papers.
- Students and teachers can dive into other climate solutions related to composting, such as reducing fertilizer use and improving soil quality.
From the scientist review
This article discusses composting and the benefits, costs, and savings that could be seen if composting was adopted widely. The science behind composting is not discussed, but the impacts and limits are. The article is organized like a scientific paper and therefore is a good example of how science reports are structured. Resources are included. The information presented is accurate and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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