Compost Lesson Plans

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.

Learners investigate the composting process through a variety of experiments. In this ecology lesson, learners discuss the benefits of composting. They examine how compost affect plant growth.

Learners investigate composting and why it is vital to the environment.  In this composting lesson, learners observe the process of composting and write a narrative describing what they've seen.

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

4th graders experiment to see which objects decompose. In this compost lesson, 4th graders observe the changes of labeled objects in a bag. Leave the objects for one month and record the changes by observation and weight. 4th graders note the items that changed to compost.

Students access a website to view a slide show on composting. In this composting lesson, students research composting information and take a quiz.  Students design a landfill and separate the biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials.  Students work with school custodians to determine a composting area.

1st graders discover composting. In this compost lesson, 1st graders are introduced to the concept of foods coming from both plants and animals. They study the different types of food and complete an activity to show what foods can and can not be composted. This lesson contains a worksheet for assessment, resource links and ideas, and rubrics for both the teacher and the 1st graders.

Learners view a multimedia presentation about composting and participate in an experiment.  In this composting lesson, learners explore the three types of composting. Learners experiment with composting and keep a log of their experiment.  Learners complete a worksheet with critical thinking questions about composting. Learners create a compost heap and play a web based game about composting.

4th graders develop an understanding of the food chain experiment with composting.  In this composting lesson, 4th graders recognize the role of decomposers in composting.  4th graders record observations in journals.4th graders perform a play about composting.

In this lesson students investigate the reasons for and processes of Recycling and Composting. In this environmental lesson, students learn to identify renewable and nonrenewable resources and then practice recycling by making recycled paper and composting organic materials.