Discover the Magic of Decomposition!
Composting: A Simple Act With a Big Impact
Composting is one of the most accessible ways we can care for our environment, and it starts with something as ordinary as kitchen scraps. By turning food waste and yard clippings into nutrient-rich soil, we not only keep material out of landfills but also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote healthy new plant growth. In our communities, and especially in schools, composting becomes a living lesson in sustainability. When students see firsthand how yesterday’s lunch can become tomorrow’s fertile ground, they learn that their choices matter and that conservation is something they can actively take part in.
The Science Beneath the Soil
At the heart of composting is the fascinating process of decomposition. Fungi, bacteria and invertebrates such as worms and beetles work together as nature’s recyclers, breaking down organic matter into usable nutrients. This process highlights the importance of biodegradable materials and the interconnected cycles that sustain life on Earth. For elementary school students, understanding decomposition helps them appreciate the value of healthy ecosystems and gives them a tangible example of how small natural processes lead to big environmental benefits.
PS Science
PS Science was launched in 2006 as a project of the Crossroads Community Outreach Foundation, an initiative of Crossroads School in Santa Monica in response to a chronic deficit in public schools- the lack of meaningful early elementary science education. Our programs and curriculum provide elementary students with a foundational understanding of the world around them, using hands-on STEM lessons to promote curiosity and critical thinking.