STEAM education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

Providing exciting projects with STEAM elements will help students explore various ways to learn about composting kitchen waste, and how to apply that knowledge in practical uses in school and at home.

Understanding the science behind composting kitchen waste is the crucial first step students need to take before finding solutions. Students will need to learn about basic stages of composting, four compoents of composting (organic matter, moisture, oxygen and bacteria), and use this knowledge to experiment. Students can design strategies and ways to effectively compost kitchen waste, experiment their method over time and write a lab report based on quantitative and qualitative data.

Composting kitchen waste requires technology that can minimize composting period and maximize production of nutrient-rich material. Students will research and create technologies that can help composting kitchen waste more efficient. Students will work in groups, and they will collaborate and discuss different types of composting machines and vessels. Throughout the process, each group will design and produce models of technological tools that can be used in their home.

Compost bins are typically large plastic drums or bins, while a compost tumbler is usually an oblong cylindrical container held in a rotating framework (making turning the compost easier).

Constructing or configuring any one of these compost systems requires working knowledge of measurement and interconnected technical and material systems, and the uses of various basic tools. So the more technologically advanced a compost system is, the more in-depth knowledge of its design will be required to run it.

We can also be thinking of ways to modify current equipment to be more eco-friendly and engineer new construction methods to ensure longevity.

Art can be a great way to express one's opinion and beliefs. Art can also be a great tool to influence viewer's perspectives on an issue. Students will create an art work based on composting kitchen waste that can raise awareness on the issue and help others to think about practicing it in their home. They will either create a digital poster with photography of food waste in their house, or create an infographic/awareness video, song or poster on how to compost kitchen waste at home.