Want to try some fun and simple science experiments at home? Fancy having a party trick up your sleeve next time you have guests round? Click the link below to see some videos of experiments with Miss Hoddinott. You can also scroll down the page to find some more super experiment ideas that have been recommended by pupils here at Stanbridge.

THE COMPOST BIN EXPERIMENT

By Elsie

What we did:

A couple of weeks ago me and my dad ordered a compost bin. We have been learning how to make compost and what you should put in the compost bin.

We learnt that we could put things in it such as fruit scraps, cut grass, vegetable peelings, my brother's hair (from his hair cut), egg shells, cardboard, tea bags (but not the bag- just the leaves in side the bag) and coffee pods (just the coffee- not the plastic and foil).

How long does it take?

It takes about year to get the first bit of compost but that is fine because it makes our food waste smaller and we put less in the green bin. 

How is compost made?

You will need to make it damp and the grass helps to do that because it has moisture. The bin should always have the lid on and it should be put in the sun so it gets warm. 

Brown things such as twigs, cardboard, straw, dry leaves and sawdust provide fibre. Greens provide moisture and they are also quick to rot. Flies help rot things down and ants and worms feed off the scraps and provide oxygen. Microbes and bacteria break down the waste and turn it in to compost. Slugs and snails can help to break down the woody bits that are harder to break down. Earth worms tunnel through the compost and get it ready for us to use. 

What we use compost for:

We use compost for feeding our plants and vegetable patches as it provides nutrients for the soil to help the plants to grow well.