(Seria, 6th) In response to the call for "green environmental protection" and to enhance students' ecological awareness, the Science Department teachers of Chung Cheng Middle School in Seria recently planned and conducted an innovative environmental practice activity, organizing third-year students to learn how to make compost and turn kitchen waste into treasure. Through hands-on operation, observation, record-keeping, and reflection, students gained a deep understanding of the significance of waste recycling and experienced the wonders of the natural decomposition process.
Since the launch of the activity, students have actively brought fruit peels, vegetable leaves, and other kitchen waste from home, and, under the guidance of teachers, have gradually carried out compost-making. The entire process is divided into eight steps, combining scientific principles with practicality: first, collecting materials and preparing containers; then, drilling holes in plastic buckets to ensure air circulation, which is one of the key factors for successful composting.
During the compost layering process, students alternately placed kitchen waste and soil, sprinkled water to keep it moist, and finally covered the bucket to create an anaerobic environment suitable for microbial decomposition. Subsequently, the bucket is opened for inspection on a regular weekly basis, with water added and stirred as needed to promote organic breakdown based on moisture levels.
As time passed, students continuously observed the changes in the compost, witnessing firsthand how kitchen waste gradually transformed into dark, loose humus. They not only learned composting techniques, but also experienced the laws of material cycles in nature.
Science Department teachers stated that the purpose of this event is to help students understand the true meaning of environmental protection through practical experience, realize the potential for converting waste into resources, and cultivate habits of reducing waste, sorting garbage, and caring for the environment. The finished compost will be given to the gardening club to aid plant growth, completing an environmental loop from the classroom to the campus.
Students expressed that the composting activity was both interesting and meaningful, making them aware that much of the so-called "garbage" in daily life is actually a valuable resource. In the future, they will start with themselves, reduce food waste, actively participate in environmental protection, and work together to safeguard the earth. Chung Cheng Middle School will also continue to promote such practical courses, integrate the concept of environmental protection into teaching, and encourage students to become responsible and proactive environmental pioneers.