This is a resource designed in collaboration with Soil Safe Kids to teach tamariki about the different components of compost and what happens during decompostion.

The problem with making compost in an outside compost bin or static pile is that you can't see what is going on easily. Let's have a close-up look at the process of decomposition by making compost in a jar.

Decomposition is a natural process where organic materials rot or decay - breaking down into simpler parts. It is Nature's way of recycling so that the simple parts can be used when new things grow. 

In this resource, students will make compost in a jar, measure and record what they see, and then explain what has happened. They are then asked to compare the decomposition in a natural setting to decomposition in landfill and then move their learning outside and start a static compost pile outside.