Breathe some new life into charcoal. Scholars use biochar to improve soil fertility. They test the effectiveness of this addition by conducting an experiment with soil having 0%, 2%, and 4% biochar.

Students explore the role and importance of soil in the ecosystem.  In this Science and Social Studies lesson, students complete an experiment using various kinds of soil and clay and then examine how soil has a direct impact on our...

How can you provide healthy soil for your garden? Study worms, bacteria, and other microorganisms in a lesson about decomposition and organic compost. After discussing what you know about worms and watching a video, watch what worms do...

Second graders complete activities to observe the effects of erosion. For this erosion lesson, 2nd graders define erosion and learn the process. Students complete an erosion experiment.

Students study how to create a compost heap. In this composting lesson, students create a compost heap. Students write an essay describing the process.

Students discuss background information presented by the teacher and read dictionary definitions for the words "organic" and "synthetic." In this gardengin lesson, students complete a worksheet on the material. Students grow and compare...

Learners research aspects of gardening including nutrition, costs, and soil preparation. They then write a report detailing the planning of the garden and compare costs to buying the items.

Learners determine the physical and chemical factors that affect plant growth. In this biology instructional activity, students explain the role of hormones in plants. They investigate how competition with other plants affect their growth.

Students observe seeds growth and examine the different parts of the seedling. In this biology lesson, students compare the growth of seeds planted in soil and in hydroponics. They record their observations in their science journal and...

Students explore the importance of natural resources. They are given copies of the story, "Who Cares For The Land," and students follow along as the teacher reads it. Students identify the key points in the story. (Soil, water and air...

Students identify what materials make up compost. In this science of recycling lesson plan, students explain the benefits of composting determine how compost is a good plant fertilizer.

Students build knowledge about agriculture as it relates to their communities' commodities.  In this agriculture lesson, students brainstorm about conditions in their community with regards to growing different types...

Sixth graders investigate erosion. In this erosion lesson, 6th graders explore how farming changes the environment. Students construct an erosion model and research ways to protect the soil from excess mud generated by farming.

Students examine the idea of recycling by composting. Using the internet, they research the benefits of composting to the environment. In groups, they collect numbers on how much food and yard waste is produced in their community. ...

Students explore designing and building a plant box. Based upon desired parameters, students create a set of plant box blueprints. Next, they choose the material and build the box. Agricultural teams select the soil mixture, fertilizer...

Students review the parts of the plant and recognize the parts that are important for pollination.  In this pollination instructional activity, students illustrate and label the parts of a flower.  Students compare different...

Students investigate healthy eating habits by researching livestock. In this food sustainability lesson, students research the negative impact factory farming has on our environment due to pollution. Students define agricultural...

Middle schoolers take a close look at the prairie environment. They identify common plants and animals of the prairie. In addition, pupils work in teams in order to put together a presentation on a certain aspect of the prairie...

A thorough background and nitrate sampling lab sheet are provided to share with your young scientists. After discussing the nitrogen cycle with the class, you will break them into small groups and show them how to use their inquiry...

Learners identify the stages of plant growth. In this plant lesson, students plant lettuce seed and take photos of the growth throughout a two week period.

Want an organic farming resource packed with experiments, background information, science fair projects, and topics of interest for further research? Here it is. Young environmental scientists can explore concepts involved in organic...

Students discover why soybeans are called the "miracle seeds." They make their own soynuts and share other foods made from soybeans. They create a bulletin board of soybean products.

Students search for a variety of items while visiting a Listening to the Prarie exhibition.

Second graders listen to various, grade appropriate stories about trees. They create their own construction paper trees and discuss the importance of trees to the ecosystem and the importance of taking care of them. Finally, 2nd graders...