A Hands-on Approach to Environmental Quality
Richard R. MacMahon, Ph.D.
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Give FeedbackComposting Ð Lesson plan #3
Compost is basically decayed organic material. When mixed with mineral soil it facilitates mineral uptake by the plant and increases the water-holding capacity of the soil. The organic portion of the soil is extremely important in developing good soil, and is extremely easy to produce.
MATERIALS: (per group)
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2 identical plastic containers with lids, with a capacity of at least 2 qts.
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A selection of vegetable scraps.
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50 worms
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6 oz. of raw hamburger
PROCEDURE:
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1. Each group should punch or cut six holes in the lids of the containers.
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2. Each group will set up the two containers as follows: Shred all of the vegetable scraps and make sure that they are well mixed. Divide them into two equal piles and add 2 oz of hamburger to each pile. Mix each pile separately and place in the two plastic containers. Water each container with the same amount of water. Use enough
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water to moisten the materials but not enough to produce any liquid in the bottom of the containers. To one container add the 50 earthworms.
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3. Place the containers in a cool, dark area such as a closet.
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4. Observe the composting vegetation every other day.
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5. One group should re-mix their compost once a week.
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6. One group should re-mix their compost twice a week.
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7. At the end of six weeks, each compost bin should be sifted and the materials that pass through the screen placed back in the container on top of the material that is not fully broken down. (Be gentle when you do this, you do not want to kill your worms).
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8. After about two more weeks the compost should be finished.
QUESTIONS for THOUGHT:
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1. Why add the hamburger?
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2. Why punch the holes in the lid? Why use a lid?
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3. Which bin did a better job? Why?
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4. Occasionally there is too much water in the bottom. What is the result?