Solid
Waste
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Lesson 2
Composting
Introduction | Invitation | Exploration | Explanation | Taking Action | Conclusion
In this lesson, you will learn what composting is and observe the benefits of composting over the course of the school year by making your own composters and gardens. You and your group members will compare two different compost piles, make conclusions about composting, and exchange information through use of the Internet.
Objectives
Upon
completion of the lesson you should be able to list the
materials that can be composted and describe the steps of
the composting process.
Materials
- fruit for the groups
- food and garbage scraps
- chicken wire
- pressure treated lumber
- hammer and nails
- thermometer
- graph paper
- computer
- journal
- 4 large gardening pots
- vegetable seeds
- gardening tools
Invitation
Demonstration
- For this demonstration, start by peeling and
eating an orange with your group members. As
you do, consider the fate of the peelings and discuss
alternatives for them other than the inside of a trash
can. Make a list of your suggestions.
Now lets look into things a little more deeply. Research the following web site for information about composting and what types of materials can be composted. Make a list of these materials for reference.
Next, it is time to research a couple of web sites that contain information on how to design a composter. After investigating the different types of compost bins, design a bin that you think would be appropriate for your area. Have the class pick their favorite design.
Constructing a Compost Bin
1.
Using the design of your choice (if possible) and the
materials and directions
provided by your teacher, build a composting bin (or bins)
for the class. If you
want
to, decorate and name your bin.
2.
During the class term, you should collect composting
materials as a class. This may
come from your school lunch, snacks, or even from
home. If you have more than
one
bin. separate the garbage scraps and decide what
should go into each bin. Try to
provide a balance of nitrogen rich and carbon rich
materials. If you have more
than
one pile, you should compare the results of the decaying
matter over the course of
the school year. Both composting piles should be the same
height.
Compost Measurements and Data:
After completing the bin, you should take turns making the following measurements
1.
Take the temperature of the inside of your pile(s) at least
once a week. Record
this data.
2.
Describe the condition of the compost and any changes that
have occurred.
3. Describe the
weather during this time period including
approximate
temperature and rainfall.
For more information on composting check out the following links.
Backyard composting community education
After completing your bin and starting the composting, write a summary of the project and post the results on the Solid Waste bulletin board to be shared with Russian/American counterparts. If time permits, compare the results of both countries over an extended time period. If the rate of decomposition is different between countries, you should form a hypothesis to explain these differences. Also, make sure to write entries in your journal during this process as directed by your teacher.
1. In the spring, you can and your partners can construct a small garden (or use four different pots of the same size) and plant some seeds using different types of potting soil. For example, you could try 1) regular soil 2) material from compost bin 3) soil and commercial fertilizer.
2. As a group, make a hypothesis about which plants from which soil will grow the best and record your predictions in your journals.
3. In May, post the results of your soil testing on Solid Waste bulletin board to be shared and discussed with their Russian/American counterparts.
Additional Possibilities:
1. Make a composter at home for family use.
2.
As a group or class, you could conduct a free workshop for
the community,
demonstrating the construction of a composter, how to use a
composter, and the
importance of composting to a community.
3. Write a
persuasive letter to the city council on the importance of
community
composting.
In this lesson, you have learned how to compost and the importance of doing so. It is our wish that together we can go out into our communities and share this information with civic leaders and the students of other middle schools.