Define: Compost or Mulch -
Overview
Students are introduced to the phenomenon. They will view two separate videos of mulch or compost piles spontaneously combusting.
They will be asked to think about decomposition, what is occurring on the microscopic level, and where the energy comes from.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards
- Physical Science
- [HS-PS1-4] Develop a model to illustrate that the release or absorption of energy from a chemical reaction system depends upon the changes in total bond energy.
- [HS-PS3-2] Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative positions of particles (objects)
Computational Thinking in STEM
- Data Practices
- Collecting Data
- Creating Data
- Manipulating Data
- Visualizing Data
- Analyzing Data
- Modeling and Simulation Practices
- Assessing Computational Models
- Using Computational Models to Understand a Concept
- Systems Thinking Practices
- Communicating Information about a System
- Investigating a Complex System as a Whole
- Thinking in Levels
- Understanding the Relationships within a System
Activities
- 1. Is it possible for a compost pile to spontaneously combust?
- 2. What variables contribute to spontaneous combustion occurring?
- 3. What is decomposition?
- 4. The Microscopic Level and Energy
Student Directions and Resources
What is compost, and is it possible for a compost pile to spontaneously combust?
1. Is it possible for a compost pile to spontaneously combust?
Before answering this initial question, define the following terms below:
Question 1.1
Question 1.2
Define: Spontaneous Combustion -
2. What variables contribute to spontaneous combustion occurring?
Question 2.1
Describe the claim that was made in the first video. Then list variables that will contribute to spontaneous combustion occurring in a mulch or compost pile.
3. What is decomposition?
The process of decomposing was mentioned in the last video.
Question 3.1
Describe what you believe is happening when something "decomposes".
Question 3.2
What kind of creatures are typically involved with decomposition?
4. The Microscopic Level and Energy
We've looked at variables that could lead to spontaneous combustion and discussed decomposition, but what is occurring on the microscopic level?
Question 4.1
Describe what you believe is happening on a microscopic level to cause compost to spontaneously combust.
Question 4.2
Where is the energy coming from to cause the fire? (Hint: think about what is occurring with the chemical bonds on a microscopic level.)
