Environmental Science: Composting and the Decomposition Cycle Worksheet

Question 1

A banana peel, a dry leaf, and a plastic spoon are on a table. Which items can go in a compost bin?

Accepted Answer

The banana peel and dry leaf can go in a compost bin because they came from plants and can break down. The plastic spoon should not go in the compost bin.

Question 2

What does it mean when something decomposes?

Accepted Answer

When something decomposes, it breaks down into smaller pieces and becomes part of the soil over time.

Question 3

Circle the best choice: Earthworms help compost by eating and mixing old food scraps and leaves, or by turning plastic into food.

Accepted Answer

Earthworms help compost by eating and mixing old food scraps and leaves. They do not turn plastic into food.

Question 4

Put these steps in order by writing 1, 2, and 3: Food scraps go into the compost bin. Compost is added to a garden. Scraps break down into dark soil-like compost.

Accepted Answer

The correct order is 1: Food scraps go into the compost bin. 2: Scraps break down into dark soil-like compost. 3: Compost is added to a garden.

Question 5

Name one living thing that helps break down materials in a compost pile.

Accepted Answer

One living thing that helps break down materials in a compost pile is an earthworm. Other correct answers include beetles, fungi, and tiny microbes.

Question 6

Mia wants to compost after lunch. She has apple cores, carrot peels, a juice box, and a paper napkin. Which two items are the best choices for composting?

Accepted Answer

The apple cores and carrot peels are the best choices for composting because they are food scraps from plants.

Question 7

Why is compost good for a garden?

Accepted Answer

Compost is good for a garden because it adds nutrients to the soil. It can help plants grow stronger and healthier.

Question 8

Look at this list: grass clippings, dry leaves, orange peels, toy car. Which item does not belong in compost? Explain why.

Accepted Answer

The toy car does not belong in compost because it is not from a plant or animal and will not break down like food scraps or leaves.

Question 9

A compost pile needs some air and water. What might happen if a compost pile is very dry for a long time?

Accepted Answer

If a compost pile is very dry for a long time, the materials may break down more slowly because decomposers need some water to live and work.

Question 10

Draw or describe the decomposition cycle using these words: scraps, decomposers, compost, soil, plants.

Accepted Answer

Food scraps are broken down by decomposers into compost. The compost mixes with soil, and the healthy soil helps plants grow.

Environmental Science: Composting and the Decomposition Cycle

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