This interdisciplinary, four-lesson module uses project- and problem-based learning to help students use 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 synthesize their learning about biotic and abiotic factors, decomposition, and engineering design as they learn about various types of compost systems, create their own portable compost bins, and create materials for a composting publicity campaign at their school.

To support this goal, students will do the following:

• Identify and explain interdependent relationships in ecosystems
• Compare and contrast several ecosystems
• Describe how compost systems are designed and constructed and apply this understanding to creating prototypes of various compost systems
• Understand the concept of scale and apply this understanding to create scaled models of compost systems
• Apply their understanding of composting, compost systems, and the EDP to create a full-scale compost system for the school
• Measure various characteristics of compost

The STEM Road Map Curriculum Series is anchored in the Next Generation Science Standards, the Common Core State Standards, and the Framework for 21st Century Learning. In-depth and flexible, Composting can be used as a whole unit or in part to meet the needs of districts, schools, and teachers who are charting a course toward an integrated STEM approach.