The great compost game

Learning objectives:

Compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

| Organic | Decompose

Decompose means to break down or decay into simpler substances. In gardening, it often refers to the process of organic matter breaking down when added to compost or soil. This process is important for creating healthy soil and providing nutrients for plants.

| Waste | Nutrients

To grow well, plants need a wide range of nutrients in various amounts, depending on the individual plant and its stage of growth. The three key nutrients usually taken up from the soil are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Plants also need carbon, oxygen and hydrogen to make carbohydrates — their main energy source. Carbon and oxygen come from the air as carbon dioxide, while hydrogen is drawn from water absorbed by the roots. Other important soil nutrients include magnesium, calcium and sulphur. Most garden soils contain enough of these nutrients to support healthy plant growth.

| Bin | Recycle | Soil

Preparation

Teachers or learners produce picture cards of compostable and non-compostable items, (either drawing or using ICT skills), put these in a bag or box.

Mark two sheets of paper or mark two areas of the classroom, one ‘yes’ and the other ‘no’.

Equipment

• Picture cards
• Print out ‘Yes/No’ A4 sheet if using
• Laminate cards & sheets to make durable
• Bag or box

1. Discuss what compost
   

   Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

   is, how it is made and how it is an important way to recycle in the garden. Show what homemade compost looks like (if you have some) and/or compost bought in a bag. Explain homemade compost is free
2. Make flash card of items which can be composted. Remember to include items that cannot be composted too
3. Compost game: learners pass around the bag and pull out a card. They decide if this item can or cannot be composted and put it on the relevant ‘Yes or No’ sheet. Pass bag around until all items are picked
4. Ask the whole group to review their answers by discussing each item and move any as agreed
5. Looking at the ‘Yes’ compostable items, ask them to sort these into ‘greens’ (e.g. living plant material, peelings) or ‘browns’ (e.g. twigs, paper, cardboard). Explain that in a successful compost heap there should always be a 50:50 mix of greens and browns
6. Discuss what the compost heap will need to break down all the materials successfully

• Collect compostable and non-compostable items to use instead of the cards