Lovely rotters

Is that rubbish? Learning about decay, how to look after waste and the environment.

This programme is supported by the Waste Prevention Community Fund.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the day pupils should be able to say:

  • What “rubbish” will rot and decay, and what will not.
  • What factors influence the rate of decay.
  • Why this is important for the environment and what they can do to help, by composting at home and school, and reducing waste.
  • We expect that through immersive experiences, reinforced with follow-up activity and printed information, participants will become more empathetic, caring more for their communities, the plants and wildlife around them.
Activities

A day’s programme usually contains 4-5 activities, and you can choose from any of the activities below. Activities can be adapted to suit individual needs and requirements.

Activities Learning objective: the children should learn...
Bin it! What was our snack? Learn about the importance of what goes in our compost bins – and what stays out! Where does the rubbish go? How does what we add, plus air, moisture and warmth affect compost decay. Using temperature probes, we’ll also measure the action in our bins!
Mini-composting laboratory in a bottle Children will use their own food waste and old sock and plastic bottle brought from home to create reusable composting containers which can go on their own windowsills. Students will be encouraged to document decomposition over time (a key scientific skill) and, to “close the loop,” grow seeds in their own compost in a recycled plant pot later.
Soil Profiles Reuse plastic bottles from home to create a create a soil profile. In this fair test experiment, we’ll be looking for composted plant material (organic matter) in our soil samples and discussing why this is important for root growth, carbon storage, and climate change.
Decay Game What is “green waste” and where should this go? Work as a team and learn about leaf litter, the decomposition of plants and the recycling of nutrients. Let’s identify what helps the rotting process and what doesn’t! Has your waste been contaminated by cardboard with tape and staples? Is your compost bin getting smelly?
Minibeast Hunt Discover and identify a variety of invertebrates in leaf litter and under logs and find out about their role in recycling and decomposition.
Twirly worm Make a twirling worm mobile with leaf litter, which is so important for protecting our soils from overheating and erosion. This is a great activity to reinforce the decay process on days when we need an indoor activity, but this can also be made back at school or at home to reinforce air, moisture and warmth affect decay. Instructions and template included.
Stop the Drink and Drop! What happens to your bottle next? Let’s keep it out of our rivers and seas! The order of the 3Rs is important, and we can add a few more.
Suggested pre-visit activities
  • Visit the Hampshire County Council school recycling page.
  • Do an audit of composting at home and school. (We’d love to hear, too, if this has changed after your visit.)
  • Check the classroom recycling bin. Does it have the right stuff in it? What do students recycle at home?
Suggested post-visit activities

Visiting schools with receive a 'Planet Champion' leaflet. Use this link to download additional copies.

  • Observe composting bottle laboratories over time and document changes. Use the resulting soil to grow seeds.
  • Write about the life cycle of a cardboard box, bottle, or apple core.
  • Make a twirly worm to reinforce requirements for good decomposition.

Please be aware that schools are responsible for taking their own rubbish home. We hope that activities like these will help reduce the amount of waste produced!

Before booking
Before you book, make sure you've contacted us to ensure your date is available.
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