Rot race experiment
Discover what happens when different food and garden items are left to rot and see decomposition in action!
What you'll need:
- Different natural items to rot (e.g. banana peel, apple core, slice of bread, lettuce leaf, mushroom)
- Clear see-through containers (e.g. recycled plastic tubs or jars)
- Soil
- Trowel or spoon
- Labels or masking tape and pens
- An outdoor surface like a table or windowsill, not directly on the ground
Step 1:
Gather your containers. You’ll need one container per item.
Step 2:
Use your spoon or trowel to fill your container with soil until it’s about two-thirds full.
Step 3:
Place each of your food scraps in its own container and sprinkle some more soil on top.
Step 4:
Label each of your containers with the name of the item and the date.
Step 5:
Place your containers outside. Make sure to pop it on a table or windowsill and not directly on the ground to avoid animals eating your scraps!
Step 6:
Make your predictions! Which item do you think will rot fastest? What might stay the same?
Step 7:
Now, we wait. Check on your food scraps regularly over the next few weeks. If you touch your decomposing scraps, make sure to wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards!
Step 8:
Look for changes in smell, colour, texture and size. Were your predictions correct?
Step 9:
When you’re done, tip the rotting scraps into your compost bin to allow them to decompose fully.
We’d love to see your rot race experiments! Don’t forget to take photos and tag us using #DobbiesLittleSeedlings
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