Who lives in a place like this?

Activity

Explore which creatures are found in the compost heap and their role in the composting process.

Learning objectives

Learn about the importance of decomposers in composting and how they form part of the garden eco-system
Learn to identify earth dwelling creatures using a spotter guide or key

Print copies of our Soil dwellers spotter guide to help pupils identify the living things within the compost
If time is limited, collect compost samples before lesson starts

Trays lined with white paper
Spoons, paintbrush, paper and pencils
Invertebrate identification key
Magnifying glasses, digital microscope, petri dishes
Plastic gloves
Fresh samples of compost taken from the school compost bin (take from a number of places for a good mix of insects)
Trowels and buckets or trugs to transfer compost
Spotter guides

Empty out the compost bin and ask pupils to collect four trowels full of compost and transfer to the buckets. This collection process is an opportunity to turn the heap, which speeds up the decay process.
Closer study may be easier in the classroom. Spread the contents of the buckets into the trays, making sure there is adequate light to see the creatures.
Using an identification key or pictures from the internet identify the creatures seen and make a note of their names.
Ask your group to draw and describe the compost creatures.
Review the variety of creatures found in the compost heap. Did they see anything which looked mouldy? Discuss the role of microscopic fungi and bacteria that break down organic matter.
Return creatures to compost area and wash hands thoroughly.

'Organic Matter’ is a term for anything that was once living or another term for compost ingredients
The characteristic earthy smell of compost is caused by actinomycetes, organisms that resemble fungi but actually are filamentous bacteria
Use this activity as part of the Earth Matters class growing topics