Calculating Classroom Biomass:
Understanding biomass units
Purpose
To introduce the concept of biomass including how this variable is measured and reported with correct units.
Overview
In this activity students will calculate the biomass of their classroom using an estimate of the total dry weight of students in the class as well as the classroom area. Students will then explore how their classroom biomass would be different if you were to change the size of the classroom or the number of students. Students will also relate their classroom calculation of biomass to the concept of vegetation biomass in a variety of global biomes.
Essential Questions
What is the biomass of our classroom?
Sub-questions
What is biomass and how is it measured?
How does our classroom biomass relate to biomass in natural systems (biomes)?
What is biomass and how is it measured?
How does our classroom biomass relate to biomass in natural systems (biomes)?
Student Outcomes
- Students will determine the biomass of the classroom by calculating the total students’ dry weight within the classroom area.
- Students will calculate differences in classroom biomass when the classroom area or students’ dry weight changes.
- Students will investigate and discuss connections between basic biomass concepts (mass/area) and the amount of biomass in natural systems (biomes).
Science Concepts
5-8 & 9-12
Change, constancy, measurement
Form and function
Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
Time
45-60 minutes (Part 1- Classroom Biomass)
45 minutes (Part 2 – Biome Biomass)
Level
Middle & High school