Last updated: December 30, 2020
Lesson Plan
Garbage in the Garden
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
- Lesson Duration:
- 30 Minutes
- Additional Standards:
- NGSS 5-LS2-1. Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
Essential Question
What does organic waste break down or decompose into? How does organic waste decompose?
Objective
Students will make their own compost.
Background
Decomposing, demonstrated in this activity through composting, is nature's way of recycling. Decomposition breaks down organic waste (food, manure, leaves, paper, wood, etc.), and the decaying matter becomes excellent natural fertilizer for new growth.
Preparation
Materials:
- Waste food (fruit, egg shells, coffee grounds, leaves, grass clippings, vegetables-NO MEAT)
- Gallon re-sealable plastic bags
- Magnifying lenses
- Soil
- Sketch books or journals to record changes
Procedure
- Have students tear up waste so that it fills 2 measuring cups. Place it in the bag and add a cup of soil. Sprinkle water on the mixture and seal the bag.
- Have the students gently shake and squeeze the bag each day to mix the contents. The bag should be left open every other day.
- Have students draw the changes they see under magnifying lenses every week. Continue the process for 6 weeks. Have students try to answer these questions:
- What is growing on the mixture you made?
- How are the bags different?
- Where does the growing material come from?
- Have students use their compost on a potted plant or in their garden at home.