Design and Development of a Student Involved Site-Specific Composting System at Conserve School in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin
File(s)
Date
2011-05Author
Rock, Bennett
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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.