Trash Time Capsule

On Earth Day, PEEC's Kinnikinnick Club kids unearthed a trash time capsule that they buried last October. The garbage we chose to dig through was an assortment of lunch trash from the dumpster of Mountain Elementary School. Alas parents we found whole sandwiches, celery and oranges lying limp among empty chip and candy wrappers. There were many a "Yuck" and moans during the project, but also equal amounts of laughter. Seven months later the children were amazed to find out that many things had disappeared while some things didn't change a bit. In the process we also discovered several bugs and a skink which all seemed to like our burial spot and a zip lock bag that proved it really can keep things fresh... well sort of.

So if you think it's time that your kids understand what it means to "take the trash out," try this activity at home. You are sure to have an interesting conversation or two on the topic of trash.

You'll need:

• Rubber gloves
• Panty hose leg
• Trash
• Shovel

What to do:

• Collect trash that is a mix of organic and non organic materials typical of what your family throws away.
• Cut one leg off of a panty hose.
• With your gloves on stuff the panty hose leg with trash and be sure to keep a record of what you put in it.
• Dig a whole and bury the whole panty hose. Bury it deep enough so that animals won't disturb it.
• Dig up your trash time capsule in the fall and let us know what you find!

Science fair project idea: try burying a time capsule in different areas for example a wet area versus a dry area. Remember kids learn best through experience. Have fun!