What this lesson teaches
This activity teaches students about waste decomposition and the environment. They will observe the breakdown of organic and inorganic materials over time.
Science in Action
Waste Decomposition Study
Explore how different materials decompose in this fun science experiment!
Duration30 min
Age GroupAges 11–13
DifficultyIntermediate
SubjectScience
See how this hands-on lesson works
Sign in to start the full activity flow, save this lesson, print a learner version, and track XP. The preview below is public so parents and educators can evaluate the activity before joining.
What you need
- Fruit peels or vegetable scraps
- Plastic bottle caps or wrappers
- Soil
- Water
Sign in to view the full materials list and the printable learner version.
How the activity runs
- Step 1: Gather organic and inorganic waste materials.
- Step 2: Take two containers and label them 'Organic' and 'Inorganic'.
- Step 3: Place the organic waste in one container and inorganic in the other.
The learning connection
Hands-on experiments engage students, making learning memorable. Observing changes in real time helps solidify concepts of decomposition and sustainability.
Try it with your learner
Follow these steps to conduct your waste decomposition study!