Introduction to composting
Lesson
Grade 4, 5
Created for Gynzy by: Diane Lam
General
Students will learn about composting. They will learn about what it is, how to do it, and the positive impact it has on the environment. To deepen their understanding of the practice, students will participate in various activities, including watching videos about composting, practicing sorting what is compostable or not, reading and sequencing events of the compost cycle, brainstorming and/or researching ways to practice composting, and writing about how they would try composting themselves and why it would be beneficial. This lesson includes a printable worksheet.
Standards
5-ESS3-1
Learning Objective
Students will be able to explain the practice of composting and its impact on the environment.
Introduction
Have students participate in a turn and talk with a partner to answer the question on slide 2. After this, explain to students that one option is to compost it and that the practice of composting will be the focus of today’s lesson. Then, explain why composting is so beneficial to our planet.
Instruction
Teach students about what composting is and what can be composted. Teach them the importance of it and explain where you can find or place a compost. Afterward, students can engage in the following activities:
First, students will watch videos about composting. Allow students to answer guiding discussion questions afterward. Next, students will drag and sort images of trash by either compostable or not compostable. Afterward, students will read a short text about the composting cycle and then drag images that represent the steps of the cycle and place them in sequential order. Then, students will think about an action plan for how they can incorporate composting into their own life. Last, students will write a paragraph about how they can start practicing composting and why it is beneficial. A printable worksheet will be included for this final activity.
First, students will watch videos about composting. Allow students to answer guiding discussion questions afterward. Next, students will drag and sort images of trash by either compostable or not compostable. Afterward, students will read a short text about the composting cycle and then drag images that represent the steps of the cycle and place them in sequential order. Then, students will think about an action plan for how they can incorporate composting into their own life. Last, students will write a paragraph about how they can start practicing composting and why it is beneficial. A printable worksheet will be included for this final activity.
Quiz
Students respond to ten questions about composting. The question types include multiple-choice and sorting.
Closing
Students will write a paragraph about how they can start practicing composting and why it is beneficial. A printable worksheet will be included for this final activity.
Instruction materials
For this lesson, the “action plan” activity may require internet access for individual students. Devices are encouraged for student use for research purposes. This lesson also includes a printable worksheet.
Extra documents