A Peek Into Composting

Lesson Plans

GradesK, 1, 2Science, English Language Arts

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Green Guardians

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What it is

In this lesson, students learn about composting, what can and cannot be composted, and why composting is important for reducing the amount of food that ends up in landfills.
This lesson introduces students to composting through games, worksheets, stories, and presentations.

Teaching tips

Positives

The slideshow includes a fun, easy-to-follow animated story about composting.
The worksheet has students communicate what they have learned by creating a composting poster.
The teacher slideshow includes additional discussion questions found in the slide notes.

Additional Prerequisites

The online games require access to the internet.
Students will need scissors and glue to complete the worksheet activity.

Differentiation

Ask students why they think it is important to reduce food waste before the lesson.
The slideshow mentions red worms, which can be expanded upon in the topic of decomposers.
This video on decomposition can also be used to help explain composting if you have trouble accessing the video in the slide presentation.
This resource can also be used in science classes during lessons about the life cycle of food and organic matter.
This resource includes a lesson plan with key learning points, essential questions, a vocabulary list, and teaching tips.

From the scientist review

This resource highlights activities for students to engage and learn about waste recycling, composting, and sustainable waste management. It is ideal and recommended for teaching.

How we review resources

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At a glance

Grades: K, 1, 2
Subjects: Science, English Language Arts
Other types: Videos, Worksheets, Interactive Media, Presentation Slides, Games
Format: Google Docs, Google Slides, PDF, Downloadable MP4/M4V
Language: English
Location: Earth
Provider: Green Guardians
Authors: Green Guardians
Published: November 7, 2022
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1 + 24 more

Core

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.1With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.7With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the story in which they appear (e.g., what moment in a story an illustration depicts).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.2Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.3Ask and answer questions in order to seek help, get information, or clarify something that is not understood.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.5Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions as desired to provide additional detail.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.2Use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing to compose informative/explanatory texts in which they name what they are writing about and supply some information about the topic.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.K.8With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.2Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.3Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.5Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.8With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.1Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.2Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.3Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to clarify comprehension, gather additional information, or deepen understanding of a topic or issue.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.8Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

K-ESS3-3.Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
K-2-ETS1-1.Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool.

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Teaching tips

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