Composting Lesson

Grade One

• The student will be able to discuss the difference between organic and inorganic matter

• The student will be able to discuss how organic matter breaks down into compost

• The student will be able to list the three necessary components needed to “make” compost ; organic material, water and green matter)

Materials

• banana  peels, citrus fruit peels, apple cores without seeds, etc..

• dry materials; dried grass clippings, leaves, straw, hay , etc..

• plastic quart size bags

• water in a spray bottle

Procedure
1. Have the children label a baggie with their name and date.
2. Add ½ cup organic matter to the bag ( smaller pieces work better, ask the children why they think this is better)
3. Add 1/4 cup of garden soil to the bag.
4. Add about ½ ounce of water to the baggie.
5. Mix all the materials together by shaking the bag.
6. Squeeze the bag daily to mix the ingredients.
7. Every couple of days open the bag up to let in air.
8. If contents smell, something is wrong. The bag may have too much water or it needs air or mixing.
9. Your compost  will be ready to use in four to six weeks.
 

Tip: In some of the bags, try adding some things that are not organic matter ( styrofoam, plastic cups. Etc..) Have the children predict what might happen in the different bags. At the end not the differences in the bags. Discuss and identify substances in our environment that will not break down. Are there other ways of recycling them?