For example, this year we read a book titled Pumpkin Jack, and after reading it, we took the small pumpkin that we picked at the pumpkin patch and put it on some soil in a very large glass jar. We poured some water in for humidity and condensation to happen, And then we sealed the lid on and shut. The idea is that the pumpkin will decompose over time and the seeds inside will sprout in the soil that is located in the bottom of the jar and begin to grow new pumpkin plants.

We are able to return to this experiment each month and document how Pumpkin Jack has changed through the school year.

I run an ongoing composting experiment in my classroom using a composting bucket. The purpose is to teach students about decomposition, nutrient cycling, and sustainability. We collect fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and shredded paper in the bucket, avoiding meat, dairy, and oily foods. Students monitor the compost regularly, recording observations like moisture level, temperature, and decomposition progress. We also conduct experiments, comparing decomposition rates of different materials or testing the effects of additives like compost activators. It's a hands-on way to learn about environmental science and reduce waste in our classroom !