Oh what a waste: reduce reuse recycle

This activity involves practical learning over an extended period of time. It offers first hand experiences of recycling and decay. It provides the opportunity for the children to observe over time and allows them to fully understand what happens once rubbish has been thrown away.

Pupils will learn that decay doesn’t happen instantly, it is over time. They will observe changes between different materials that have been buried in the ground and compare them from six weeks up to a year. They will examine carefully and understand plant material decomposing due to microorganisms and decay alongside little to no changes to various other materials.

Topics covered include recycling and its role. Over time, children will learn about decay with plant materials, discussing microorganisms. Detritivores are also covered in extension activities.