• How decomposition and composting work

• Why compost is good for the environment

• How to observe changes in nature using science skills

• How teamwork and small actions can make a big difference

• A clear plastic bottle (cut the top off — ask an adult for help!)

• Soil

• Food scraps (like banana peel or apple core — no meat or dairy!)

• Dry leaves or small twigs

• Spray bottle with clean water

• Labels or tape for marking

• Notebook or observation sheet

1. Team Up!

Ask your friends or classmates to join. Make a compost team and give your group a fun name like "Soil Heroes" or "Compost Squad".

2. Learn together

Talk about what composting is and how it helps the planet. You can watch a short video or read a comic about decomposition.

3. Build Your Compost Bottle

Layer materials inside your bottle like this:

• Bottom: soil

• Then: food scraps

• Then: dry leaves or twigs

• Top: another thin layer of soil

4. Add Moisture

Use the spray bottle to moisten (not soak) the mix. Compost needs a bit of water to start working.

5. Lable and Place

Label your bottle with your group’s name and today’s date. Put it in a warm place like a windowsill.

6. Observe Weekly

Each week, check for changes:

• Is the food breaking down?

• Are there smells or bugs?

• Is the soil getting darker?

Write or draw what you see in your compost journal.

7. Keep it Moist

Spray a little water if it’s too dry. Compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge.

8. Celebrate the Change!

After 2–4 weeks, your compost will start turning into rich, dark soil. Talk about how it changed — and why that matters for plants and the planet.

Use the finished compost to plant seeds in a pot and see how plants grow with compost vs. without. See the difference nature makes!