Observing the Compost World Worksheet
When you put food and yard waste into a composter, you are adding food and water to the compost habitat. The compost inhabitants decompose, or break down the waste. Most decomposers are microorganisms, too small to see without a microscope. Here are some tips for spotting some of the "giants" of the compost world:
1: Lift the cover or top layer of the compost heap and watch for movement, since the animals will flee from the light.
2: Examine the surface carefully, since the animals are very small and may be the same color as the compost.
3: If you need a better look to identify the animal, gently scoop it up in a jar.
4: If the animal is still too small to identify, use a magnifying glass to see the number and arrangement of legs, feelers, and body segments. Release the animal back into the heap.
5: Dig down further. If your composter has a door near the bottom, open it and remove some compost.
Again, watch for animals that move away quickly and be careful not to harm them.
Wash your hands carefully afterwards. You don't want any compost microorganisms decomposing your food!
Finally, prepare and present a report on what you find.
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