Scientists define and discuss decomposition, and watch pumpkins decompose and return to soil in classroom experiment. They record the date the experiment began, chart changes in pumpkins on a calendar, count how many days it takes...

Students recognize the importance of solid waste management. In this science lesson plan, students analyze individual solid waste management habits as they enhance their knowledge of solid waste disposal and the recycling process.

Students examine the decomposition process. They create their own class compost pile and record their observations. They discover which materials decompose at a different rate.

Second graders define composting and recognize what can be composted.  In this composting and mulching lesson plan, 2nd graders classify objects or pictures as good or bad for composting. Students write a story about life in the...

Students develop an understanding of the decomposition process and the parameters which influence the rate at which it occurs.

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. ...

The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out, but do they care what soil is all about? Find out in an easy and fun controlled experiment. Have your young  biologists hypothesize, test, and draw conclusions about which type of soil worms...

Students investigate, through their own experimentation, the important role wildlife play in nutrient cycling. Earthworms and compost are used in this experiment and different experimental setups be evaluated.

Where does our garbage go? What is the difference between a recyclable and non-recyclable item? Pose these important, but often overlooked, questions to your class and invite them to consider the lasting and damaging effects of the...

Students observe and describe the cyclic nature of life. They identify and appreciate the importance of a balanced ecosystem. Finally, students compare and contrast biodegradable and non-biodegradable resources in nature and describe the...

students discuss the importance of light and the consequences of living without it. Using a plant as a demonstration, students predict and observe what happens to a plant when it does not receive enough light. In groups, they experiment...

It's cloudy with a good chance of learning! An inquiry-based lesson begins with an exploration of transparent, translucent, and opaque materials. Young scientists then connect their learning to the different cloud types as they take the...

Young scholars discuss the importance of reducing, recycling and reusing materials to help the environment. As a class, they create a worm bin and observe how it turns material in to compost. They use the internet to research the...

Students examine their role in polluting the environment and discuss the importance of recycling. In groups, they place earthworms into compost piles to observe why they are considered natural recyclers. They also practice sorting a...

Fifth graders observe their plant experiments that they started in a previous activity and examine the role of decomposers in the nitrogen cycle. Two weeks after they set up a worm terrarium, they analyze any changes they observe, and...

Students explore Earth science by participating in a compost activity in class. In this worm lesson, students discuss the importance of worms in the creation of plants. Students cut out pieces from a print out to assemble a paper worm in...

Students examine the importance of recycling to help the environment. In groups, they make a compost bin on the school grounds recording how the material changes from week to week. They collect other materials for recycling like cell...

Second graders discuss the previously created worm compost and the importance of living creatures to the Environment.  In this worm lesson, 2nd graders observe worms and record their sensitivity to light. Students design a petri...

Students discover what are the components of soil. They examine how it is formed and it's importance. They engage in garden activities and processes. They hold a handful of garden soil and describe what they see. They take a...

Students investigate the forest ecosystem to learn of the living and non-living elements of the soil. In this ecosystem lesson, students examine soil for twigs, moss, fungi, leaves, roots and other matter.   Students...

Students conduct a scientific investigation about organic or inorganic waste.  In this organic or inorganic waste instructional activity, students create a compost heap to determine the difference between inorganic and organic...

Students describe the importance of water conservation and list ways to conserve. They construct composts and fill them with materials that recycle nutrients. They inspect their homes for leaky pipes, toilets, and faucets.

Learners discover the importance of plant and animal components within soil. In this soil lesson, students test the quality of soil. Learners then conduct an experiment adding different components to bags of soil to see what will...

Students maintain a compost bin and build a worm observatory. They design experiments relating to worms and record observations in a worm journal.