Learn the science behind using organic waste as a resource by turning it into natural fertiliser.

Students working in the garden

Book a Learning Through Action school programme

Risk analysis and management information (RAMS) will be sent out once a programme booking is confirmed. If you require this at any other stage please email LTA@ccc.govt.nz or contact us.

Book a programme

Year level 4 to 13
Curriculum Level 2 to 8
Availability Year-round
Times 9.15am to 11.45am or 12.15pm to 2.30pm
Site EcoDepot/EcoDrop Metro Place Bromley
Cost Free
Number of students Maximum of 35
Special requirements Closed-in shoes must be worn
  • Organic waste as a resource.
  • Hot heap composting, worm farm composting, EM Bokashi composting.
  • Sustainability.
  • Natural cycles for dealing with waste.
  • Personal and social responsibility for action.

Students will learn the six important ingredients for high-quality compost and how to use them for successful hot heap composting.

Students can then either:

  1. Discover how to maintain a worm farm by correct feeding, providing suitable bedding, harvesting worm castings and preparing and using worm leachate (liquid fertilizer), or
  2. Discover how effective microorganisms (EM) can be used to compost food scraps by anaerobic fermentation.

We are learning to:

  • Explain how to use organic waste as a resource.
  • Identify the six key ingredients for successful hot heap composting.
  • Explain the process and methods of making compost at home or at school.
  • Identify actions they can take to encourage better use of organic resources in their lives
  • Identify the correct materials that go into the organics wheelie bin and explain some maintenance tips.

Using language, symbols and texts

Students will interpret images, symbols and text to understand and describe different aspects of the composting process.

Thinking

Students will use cognitive and critical thinking skills to problem-solve and expand their knowledge of different composting systems.

Managing self

Students will have the opportunity to adopt and adapt composting practices and to develop resourcefulness around organic waste.

Participating and contributing

Students will learn how to contribute to the sustainability of their home and/or school environment.

Relating to others

Students will work collaboratively and supportively to complete tasks; take turns and support their classmates.

Curriculum area Strand and level Objective
Science
Pūtaiao		 Nature of Science
Levels 2 to 8		 Investigating in science
Communicating in science
Participating and contributing
Living World
Levels 2 to 8		 Life processes
Ecology
Evolution
  Material World
Level 2 to 5		 Chemistry and society
Technology 
Hangarau		 Technological Practice
Levels  2 to 4		 Planning for practice
Brief development
Outcome development and evaluation
Technological Knowledge
Levels  2 to 6		 Technological products
Technological systems
Social Sciences
Tikanga ā-Iwi		 Levels 2 to 5 Social studies
Health and Physical Education
Hauora		 Healthy Communities and Environments
Levels 2 to 3		 People and the environment

Level 1

Subject Standard
Agricultural and horticultural science 1.5  AS90160
Biology 1.3 AS90927
Chemistry 1.2 AS90931
Science 1.2 AS90949
1.7 AS90950
Generic Technology 1.5 AS91048
1.6 AS91049
1.7 AS91050
1.8 AS91051
1.9 AS91052
1.10 AS91053
1.11 AS91054
Processing Technologies 1.60 AS91082
1.61 AS91083

Level 2

Subject Standard
Agricultural and horticultural science 1.2  AS91290
2.4 AS91292
Biology 2.3 AS91155
2.8 AS91160
Environmental Sustainability 2.1 AS90810
2.2 AS90811
2.3 AS90813
2.6 AS90814
2.4 AS91733
2.5 AS91734
Home Economics 2.4 AS91302
Social Studies 2.4 AS91282
Generic Technology 2.6 AS91359
2.9 AS91362
2.10 AS91363
2.11 AS91364
Processing Technologies 2.61 AS91352

Level 3

Subject Standard
Biology 3.2 AS91602
Environmental Sustainability 3.1 AS90828
3.2 AS91735
3.3 AS91736
3.5 AS90832
Home Economics 3.3 AS91468
Generic Technology 3.1 AS91608
3.2 AS91610