Biomass and Composting
NAME_________________________________
(Highlighted terms are the answers)
Period_____ Date_______________________
Biomass is organic material from plants and animals. When living organisms die,
bacteria and other decomposers break down the material in biomass breaking
larger molecules into smaller ones. The decay of biomass produces matter in the form
of small molecules and releases energy stored in the chemical compounds in the
biomass. This energy is released in the form of heat.
Compost is matter being decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer or soil supplement for
plants. A compost bin is designed to allow air to circulate through the compost to aid
in the breaking down of the biomass. Aerobic bacteria aid in the process by converting
some biomass into substances such as ammonia and ammonium compounds, which in
turn converts into nitrites and nitrates through nitrification.
Composting decreases some biomass that would, otherwise, be sent to landfills. At
the same time, it returns some of the energy and nutrients of the biomass to the soil.
It is an excellent way of recycling matter that returns some of the energy stored in
biomass to the soil for use, while at the same time reducing the amount of waste sent
to landfills. The nutrients produced during composting are used in gardens or
landscaping as a natural fertilizer.
From StemScopes.com
Composting Mini-project:
1. Your group will produce a poster explaining and promoting composting.
2. There can be 2-3 people per group…your own choosing! Make sure you include
someone who is creative….in thinking, drawing, and/or writing!!!!!!!
3. You will explain what composting is and tell why people should compost!!
Include how the biomass decays in a compost bin.
4. You will be randomly assigned to one of the following composting topics. If assigned
A, B, or C, you will draw a diagram of how it should be set up. You will also explain
what each part does such as: “brown” material such as dried leaves contains carbon
and is used for…, etc.
A. Backyard composting (how to set up a backyard composting bin)
B. Composting in a soda bottle
C. Worm composting (how to set up a worm composting bin)
D. Dos and Don’ts of Composting (or Composting 101)
5. Your poster should be colorful and eye-catching with good information!!! Include
pictures and DIAGRAMS!
6. FILL all of the space on the poster!!!!! Use a pencil to “map” out the poster before
writing things in colored pencil or marker. “Box” or highlight important info.
7. Names in UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER with your class period!!
8. All work on the poster itself will be during class. Poster is due by the end of class on
Monday November 24th!!!
Some resources to get you started:
http://infographiclist.com/2012/06/08/composting-101-infographic/
http://www.wellhome.com/blog/2011/08/how-to-make-compost-work-for-you/
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/kidspage/compost.html
http://teams.lacoe.edu/documentation/classrooms/gary/plants/activities/articles/composting.html
http://www.bottlebiology.org/investigations/decomp_main.html