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Food Webs Activity for Kids

Compost DIY

  • Duration: 30-60 min
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: $0 to $5

Use microbial decomposition to turn food waste into fertilizer!

Material List

  • 1Pile of twigs
  • 1Pile of dry leaves
  • 1Bucket of food waste (such as egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags, apple cores, orange and banana peels)
  • 1Pair of non-latex gloves
  • 1Large bowl for mixing
  • 1Large plant pot or other container with holes on the bottom
  • 1Watering can with water
  • Note:Do not use meat as part of the food waste (it attracts flies, smells & can have bad microbes).

Instructions

  • 1Put on your gloves.
  • 2Mix all your food waste together in a large bowl.
  • 3Add a layer of dry twigs at the bottom of the large flower pot.
  • 4Then add a layer of food waste on top of the twigs.
  • 5Next, add a layer of dry leaves.
  • 6Using the watering can, sprinkle water over the top until damp.
  • 7Leave your compost to decompose naturally for 3-6 months.
  • 8The process is slow but eventually you will have a nutrient-rich material for gardening.

How It Works

Decomposition is natureā€™s way of recycling. Dead plants and animals are broken down into basic nutrients that become part of the Earth. Decomposition happens when decomposers - such as worms, bacteria, and fungi - eat and digest plant and animal remains. Without decomposition, dead organisms would just pile up!

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