Compost Lesson Plans

Students review what they can compost. In this compost lesson, students play a tag game where they must yell out an item that can be composted before they get tagged. They create a song listing these items as well. 

Students create and tend to an outdoor compost pile. They research about decomposition and composting. They create two activities for their peers to complete.

Young scholars create an presentation that suggests composting as a possible solution to solid waste issues. They research the types of solid waste that can be composted, the composting process and the role of worms in composting.

Students consider the pros and cons of composting. They examine a compost pile and describe the materials, explaining what happens to the composted material. They consider organisms that assist in the process.

Fifth graders complete a worm compost activity. In this compost lesson plan, 5th graders tour their school garden and discuss how worms help create an ideal environment to grow plants. Students examine the compost process in a jar and then in their school garden.

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

Students explore decomposition. Students define and describe  components of the decomposition process. Students make a composter in a terrarium. Students record observations and changes weekly, drawing conclusions about the results of decomposition.

Third graders examine the difference between composting and wasting food. They problem-solve what to do about leftovers after lunches so good food doesn't go to waste.They study food storage techniques that are environmentally friendly and create a "cookbook" of creative lunch choices that can be posted on the school's web site for parents to read.

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 dish environment with a dark and light side. Students record their observations and share their results.

Students investigate the uses and importance of composting in agriculture. They, in groups, design and implement decomposition chambers to compost vegetable scraps and clippings.