Composting for Preschoolers

This week I am teaching Mr. Gabe about Nature's Recyclers:  Composting! {It also goes along with the letter C}

Basically, I explained that in that in the fall, leaves fall to the ground.  Some leaves get raked up by us humans.  But where do the other leaves go?  The leaves decay, or rot, in the rain and snow.  They become bits of soil and food that helps to feed other plants and trees.  Nutrients from the leaves get recycled, or reused, to make food for other plants.  This is called composting!

As an experiment to observe composting we gathered these supplies:

1. A glass jar with a tight fitting lid
2. leaves
3. dirt
4. grass
5. water
6. fruit scraps
7. magnifying glass

What You Do:

1. Make layers of soil, grass, leaves, and fruit or veggie scraps in the jar.  Sprinkle water on top of each layer.
2. Cover with soil.  Add 3 tbsp of water.  Place the jar in a sunny window or area.  {This is a good time to have them draw a picture of their jar.}
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2.  Make the jars as similar as possible.  Place the second jar in a dark place.  
4. Observe the jars everyday for a week!  Use a magnifying glass for a good look.  Write or draw observations in a journal!