Composting is Fun – Grade 3-7

Activity Introduction

In this experiment, learners learn how to make their own compost in a plastic bottle and then observe the decomposition process in action.

Grade: 3-7

Resources Required: • 2 litre plastic bottle (1 per pair) • Plate/tray – to be placed under bottle for drainage (1 per pair) • Push pins • Organic debris e.g. fallen leaves, grass clippings, and soil • Fork/spoon/stick (needed to mix compost) • Fruit and vegetable peels, cores, and scraps from the kitchen • Old newspaper • Scissors/knife • Spray bottle – to dampen the system • Masking tape • Optional: Old rag/dishcloth (1 per pair)

Key Concepts & Skills: Teamwork, communicating, initiative, analysis

Extra Notes: Note that it will take about 12 – 14 weeks for the material to break down into compost.

Duration: 1 hour

Level of teacher facilitation: Moderate

Curriculum links: Natural Science & Technology, Life Skills

Login to view or download resources

Login to view or download resources

Reflect on Lesson

Responses

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Alice September 6, 2023

We have our own compost heap and composter at the school which we fill with various organic materials from the school garden as well as food scraps (banana peels, cores etc) from the 2l tubs from the classrooms as well as food scraps from the tuckshop. Thanks for further ideas.

Log in to Reply
1. Tamsyn October 4, 2023
  
  Amazing! I love that the compost system combines organic waste from all over the school 🙂
  
  Log in to Reply
Alice May 7, 2024

We are thrilled to be acknowledged for our efforts in this field. We will post photos of our two pool bucket worm farms and the related powerpoint after our Enviroclub meeting tomorrow.

Log in to Reply

Learn More About Sustainable Schools

and Join the programme and become part of this growing family of like-minded teachers and partners.

Powered by Nature Connect

Building on 20 years of experience as an organisation that connects youth to nature, our new Online Hub creates a collaborative environment to support even more schools and communities.

Nature Connect Subscribes to the Independent Code of Governance

Nature Connect

Sustainable Schools

Subscribe to our Newsletter

© 2021 - / Non-profit Registration: 013-964, PBO Number: 930 023 924