Composting Unit Kick Off

On August 21, St. Petersburg gardening and composting expert, Ray Wunderlich (a former Shorecrest student), visited Shorecrest's fourth grade to demonstrate how composting works. He spoke with the students about materials that can and cannot be added to a compost pile. Mr. Wunderlich also taught them how the process of decomposition works that turns food scraps and yard waste into nutrient rich compost. He discussed four important elements of composting: 

1. Carbon
2. Nitrogen
3. Air
4. Water

The first science investigation of the year in fourth grade will look at how matter breaks down (or doesn't). They will conduct a series of experiments to demonstrate what a chemical change is. They will then conduct another long-term experiment to observe the breakdown of various materials. Then, they will move into an exploration of sustainable practices.

In September, a field experience will take fourth grade to the Pinellas County Solid Waste Facility to learn about how they turn trash into energy. At the end of the unit of study, the students will be presented with a design challenge to solve a problem related to sustainability and the environment.