Design and Development of a Student Involved Site-Specific Composting System at Conserve School in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a student-involved site-specific compost system to meet the sustainability and educational goals at Conserve School in Land O’ Lakes Wisconsin. This project acts as a resource for Conserve School to utilize in managing the disposal of organic waste produced on campus through means of student involvement and education. The project determined how it met the School’s mission, identified the site specific considerations related to a student involved compost system and developed a framework that includes specific procedures and educational resources for the successful implementation and operation of a student involved site specific composting system at the School. Research from written resources such as mission and vision statements coupled with semi-structured interviews with key staff showed that the project is tightly aligned with the School’s mission. Data related to site specific considerations was collected over three semesters and included organic waste assessments, visual field inspection and needs assessments through semi-structured and unstructured interviews. The results varied with each semester as the School changed its compost structure and student involvement with composting. Lastly, the project developed a framework that includes the proper compost operational procedures given the current resources, as well as educational resources appropriate for high school aged students that attend the School. The educational resource includes a lesson plan designed, developed and piloted by the researcher as well as recommended activities from outside sources. Based on the projects results the researcher recommends that the School incorporate various composting methods to better meet the needs of the School.