Our SSDB Journey - From Recycling to Soil: Giving Waste a New Purpose

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Our N2 Start Small Dream Big project connected two inquiry journeys that encouraged children to care for the environment through actions at school and home.

In Term 2, the children investigated the question, “What can we recycle?” They examined mixed waste, identified recyclable and non-recyclable items, and sorted paper, plastic, cans, glass, rubbish and food scraps. They compared clean and dirty containers, washed recyclables before sorting them, created a classroom recycling station and went on a recycling hunt around the centre. The children also sequenced the journey of rubbish and transformed used paper into handmade paper. Through a take-home activity, families supported children in practising responsible sorting. An investigation comparing leaves, fruit peels, paper and plastic helped children notice that natural materials can change over time, leading into Term 3.

In Term 3, the children explored vegetables through sight, touch, smell and taste, made predictions and participated in a Food Challenge. They then considered whether leftover vegetable trimmings had to be thrown away. This introduced vermicomposting, where children learnt that earthworms and microorganisms gradually turn suitable food scraps into nutrient-rich compost. They collected vegetable trimmings, prepared bedding, observed earthworms and helped set up a vermicompost system. The learning culminated in a parent-child workshop where families made simple vermicompost containers together.

Across both inquiries, children contributed by reducing waste, reusing materials, caring for living things and sharing sustainable practices with their families. They discovered that small everyday choices can give discarded materials a new purpose and help care for our environment.

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