======Compost in a Bottle======


<WRAP right box>
**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
\\
**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
\\


**Alternative titles:** 
</WRAP>

====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}



====Procedure====  
  - Remove the label from a clear 2-liter soda bottle so the contents can be observed.  
  - With adult supervision, cut the top off the bottle.  
  - Place about 1 inch of soil at the bottom of the bottle.  
  - Add about 1 inch of compostable organic material (leaves, grass, food scraps, etc.).  
  - Continue layering soil and organic material until the bottle is nearly full.  
  - Place the bottle in a sunny spot where it won’t be disturbed.  
  - Observe changes over several weeks, recording decomposition progress and temperature if desired.  
  - Once the materials are fully composted, use the nutrient-rich soil to plant seeds or seedlings.



====Links==== 
Compost in a Bottle: A Science Project - Read and Learn with Ms. Pia: 
{{youtube>YfCzQP1PhYQ?}}\\

Creativity TV: Composting with a 2 Liter Bottle - Creative Discovery Museum: 
{{youtube>DnOKPqzZkWg?}}\\

📄 Make Compost In A Bottle Ecology Science Experiment - Science Fun for Everyone: [[https://www.sciencefun.org/kidszone/experiments/make-compost-in-a-bottle-ecology-science-experiment/]]\\

====Variations====
  * Test different compostable materials to see which decompose fastest.  
  * Compare results using different bottle sizes or shapes.  
  * Add worms to see if decomposition speeds up.  
  * Place bottles in different environments (sun, shade, indoors) and track differences.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Adult supervision required when cutting the plastic bottle.  
  * Wash hands after handling soil and organic waste.  
  * Do not use meat, dairy, or oily foods as they may produce unpleasant odors.  
  * Keep the compost bottle sealed or covered to avoid attracting pests.




====Questions to Consider====
  * What role do microorganisms play in composting? (They break down organic material into simpler nutrients.)  
  * Which materials decomposed the fastest? Why might that be? (Soft fruit/vegetable scraps break down faster than tough leaves or stems.)  
  * How does the composting process benefit plants? (It recycles nutrients, enriching soil fertility and improving growth.)  
  * How is composting in a bottle similar to composting in nature? (Both rely on microorganisms, moisture, and temperature to recycle organic matter.)  
  * Why should meat and dairy not be added to compost? (They decompose slowly, can smell bad, and attract pests.)