MOS-action sheet: Composting at school

The pupils examine (according to their level) the process of composting. The following non-limitative questionnaire can help in setting up the research.

On a trip to the forest, park, ... (somewhere with (big) trees)

• How did this tree get so big? What does it need (among other things) to do so?
• Or more generally: what do trees need in order to grow?
• Where does the tree get its food from?
• What happens to the leaves, twigs and plants during winter?
• Who helps removing the leaves and fallen twigs and branches? Above ground? Underneath the ground? → Here you can refer to the Soil Heroes (see interesting links).
• Can we imitate this natural process at school? And why would we do so (usefulness, added value)?

At school

• What is compost? What is it like?
• Where does the word compost come from (Latin)?
• What can we use compost for?
• What can we make compost of? → Compost barrel/bins
• What materials do we need to make a success out of composting?
• Is there enough compostable material at our school?
• Does composting require 'maintenance'?
• How do the Soil Heroes know where our compost bin is?
• What is the best location for the barrel or bin to make a success out of composting?

Yay!!! We have compost! And now what?

• How do we "harvest" compost? From a compost barrel? From a compost bin?
• What are we going to use the compost for at school?
• How much compost do we need? For our vegetable garden? For fruit trees? For an ornamental garden?
• Can we weigh the compost ourselves? What is the best way to go about it?

When the composting process fail

• Where does it go wrong?
• Is the balance between "wet" (fruit/vegetable residue) and "dry" (twigs, straw, hay, cardboard, ...) mass correct?
• Is the compost bin/barrel in the right place (sun/shade, etc.)?
• Are there other possible causes? What could those be?

Yippee! We are starting to compost and thus process a large part of our waste within the school. We choose a compost barrel or bins depending on our possibilities and support. We divide the tasks so that composting becomes and stays a success. Each year, one class receives training to become a compost master junior. This class monitors the proper functioning of composting. The barrel or bins must meet the following conditions:

• they are sufficiently solid to hold compostable material and (of course!) the Soil Heroes;
• they are located in the right place and are well oriented (sun-shadow);
• they are intended for organic waste (VGF) only. Drinks or biscuit packaging, or any other waste does not belong here!

Tips for diehards

Have your pupils design their own compost bins, calculate the necessary wood and construct them. Free palettes go a long way, by the way. STEM in practice!

• Starting with composting is not easy for everyone. Unless the school already has the necessary expertise in house, it is best to let yourself be guided by a municipal compost master and recycling worker, a (grand)parent or neighbour who is familiar with the matter. Ask if he/she will regularly keep an eye on the progress.
• Turning and harvesting compost in bins requires more body strength than with a compost bin. Does the school opt for compost bins? Then it is best to set up a pool of volunteers who are prepared to shovel the material from one compost bin to another.
• Some municipalities provide free compost barrels. Present your plans to the municipal environmental department and ask how they can support the school.
• Regularly discuss composting at the pupil or MOS council. Signal problems when things threaten to go wrong somewhere (e.g. waste that doesn't belong there).
• Don't let composting at school be the responsibility of one class only, but take the opportunity to develop a vertical learning line around it.

• Bring Jerom the compost worm to life! A (class) puppet and/or a play is always useful to introduce the theme in a fun way. Let Jerom come back regularly so that the theme continues to live on in the school.
• Make the plans known within the school group (and/or other schools you are in contact with). Exchange compost experiences.
• Inaugurate the compost bin with much fanfare. Invite parents, grandparents, dignitaries and the press. Turn it into a MOS compost party!

Jerom the Compost Worm (Eisenia Fetida) is the super soil hero of every compost pile. However, a compost worm is not the same as an earthworm. On the European mainland you will also find the rain worm or dew worm (Lumbricus Terrestris) and the grey worm or earthworm (Aporrectodea Calliginosa). Compost worms are litter worms. If conditions are right, they will eat almost their own weight of VGF waste every day!

Composting requires follow-up. For example, the compostable material must be aired or turned regularly. Throwing everything on a pile and hoping for the best is certainly not enough!

• vlaco.be: The website for composting. Below you will find some interesting links on this website. But don't hesitate to explore them yourself!
• vlaco.be/thuiskringlopen/thuiscomposteren: Are you new at composting? Then you should definitely take a look at the two videos.
• vlaco.be/thuiskringlopen/thuiscomposteren/composteren-met-kinderen-handleiding-voor-de-leerkracht: The now classic teaching curriculum 'Composting with children' can be found here in digital form.
• vlaco.be/thuiskringlopen/thuiscomposteren/wat-is-composteerbaar: An overview of what is compostable and what is not.
• vlaco.be/thuiskringlopen/kringlooptuinieren: Interesting for those who want to take it a step further.
• omgeving/vlaanderen.be/bodemhelden: Jerom's friends together on a nice website. Download the free teaching materials and the determination app. Pass on your research results with your class or school.