Composting, Grade 5: STEM Road Map for Elementary School

The STEM Road Map Curriculum Series offers a book that challenges fifth-grade students to investigate the role of composting in solid waste management through authentic problem-solving and interdisciplinary learning. The book guides students through the engineering design process (EDP) to design and create prototypes of compost systems and build a full-scale composting system for school use. Students will identify interdependent relationships in ecosystems, compare and contrast ecosystems, understand the concept of scale, and apply their understanding to create a full-scale compost system. The curriculum is anchored in the Next Generation Science Standards, the Common Core State Standards, and the Framework for 21st Century Learning and can be used as a whole unit or in part.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

What if you could challenge your fifth-grade students to investigate the role of composting in solid waste management? With this engaging and comprehensive volume in the STEM Road Map Curriculum Series, you can!

Composting takes your students on a journey of authentic problem-solving, while seamlessly integrating STEM disciplines. Like the other volumes in the series, this book is meticulously designed to meet the growing demand for incorporating real-world learning into K–12 classrooms.

This interdisciplinary, four-lesson module employs project- and problem-based learning to empower students to utilize the engineering design process (EDP) to design and create prototypes of compost systems and construct a fully functional composting system for their school. Through this module, students will synthesize their knowledge about biotic and abiotic factors, decomposition, and engineering design as they explore various types of compost systems, design their portable compost bins, and develop materials for a composting publicity campaign.

To support this transformative learning experience, students will engage in the following activities:

Identify and explain interdependent relationships within ecosystems

Compare and contrast different ecosystems

Describe the design and construction of compost systems, and apply this understanding to create prototypes of various compost systems

Understand the concept of scale and apply it to create scaled models of compost systems

Apply their knowledge of composting, compost systems, and the EDP to create a comprehensive compost system for their school

Measure and analyze various characteristics of compost

The STEM Road Map Curriculum Series is firmly rooted in the Next Generation Science Standards, the Common Core State Standards, and the Framework for 21st Century Learning. With its in-depth and flexible nature, Composting can be seamlessly integrated into your curriculum as a standalone module or as part of a broader interdisciplinary unit.

By engaging your fifth-grade students in the exciting world of composting, you are equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to become responsible stewards of our environment. Let's embark on this journey together and empower the next generation of innovators!

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 280 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032441603