Type: Master Composter
City: Charlotte, NC
Launch: 2004
Location: Davidson Elementary School
Project: Davidson Invasive Plants
Overview: I chose two different projects:

(1) Invasive plants and

(2) Composting.

 

Description & Implementation:
Invasive Plants
I went to Davidson Elementary last spring and again this fall, and also to Woodlawn, to talk with 3rd/4th grade classes. I brought in examples of invasive plants that are easily found in the area and on the nature trails beside the schools. We discussed what an invasive plant is and how it is best to avoid planting them in your own yard. After going over the plants, we went out on the trail and the children identified the invasive plants. They are planning on trying to keep them under control. The kids were very interested and eager to learn what they could do to help. I highly recommend bringing in samples of the plants that you are talking about, if possible. Going on the trail enabled the students to see the damage caused by the climbing vines. The students were quick to pick up both names and characteristics of the plants.

Composting
I have conducted composting projects at Davidson College (in the non-majors biology course) and at Davidson Elementary. For the college students, we connected the project to the topic of plant nutrition in class and also to nutrient cycling. It gave the students a practical application of the more academic subject matter presented in class. I am hoping to continue the project in the spring with a botany class and have the students use the finished compost in experiments on nutrition.

 

The elementary school students have two piles going at present. They are keeping a daily log of the temperature of the pile and turning it every two weeks. They used leaves that different students brought into school and we shredded some newspaper to show that it too would decompose. I brought in the rabbit food and bins. They are planning on adding the compost to their garden in the spring. The 8-10 year olds are very enthusiastic and require more than one person for supervision. It is best to bring them out in smaller groups of say 10 and let each group add a layer to the bin. Watering the pile can be a wet experience for all, so a warmer day is recommended. The younger kids definitely enjoy doing something positive for the environment. Hopefully, what they learned here will continue on to their adulthood.

 

Additional: Other Workshops Etc.:

 

I have also conducted composting projects at Davidson College (in the non-majors biology course). For the college students, we connected the project to the topic of plant nutrition in class and also to nutrient cycling. It gave the students a practical application of the more academic subject matter presented in class. I am hoping to continue the project in the spring with a botany class and have the students use the finished compost in experiments on nutrition.