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Rotting Away, Day by Day

Provided by: FoodCorps

Lesson Plans Grades 3-5

Synopsis

In this 5th-grade lesson, students will learn about decomposition, make predictions about how different objects decompose over time, and test their predictions by buring various items for a period of time.
It is divided into two sessions and can be adapted for various situations.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Science

Authors: FoodCorps

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

Students will enjoy digging in the dirt and feeling connected to nature.
The lesson includes many adaptations and extensions.

Prerequisites

Teachers will have to prepare and gather materials ahead of time and search for the FBI song online.
This lesson is designed for a class garden but it can be done in any natural environment.
Students should know how to safely use a trowel or cup to dig.
Students should know the terms decompose and spectrum.

Differentiation & Implementation

This lesson was written for a push-in teacher from Food Corps. There are tips for the Food Corps instructor to engage the classroom teacher. Classroom teachers can use this lesson, and the tips may be useful for engaging a student-teacher or co-teacher.
After doing this lesson, students can discuss composting and create a classroom compost system.
Teachers can use this lesson to introduce the role of decomposition in the carbon cycle and the huge importance of this as it relates to the effects of human activity on climate change.
Students can make connections to poetry by writing poems to describe how their objects have changed.
When students write their predictions, they can do so using a Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning model and supporting their theories with facts and understanding.
Teachers can choose to have students observe garbage that will not decompose and discuss the importance of limiting waste and pollution.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

FoodCorps

FoodCorps partners with schools and communities to nourish kids’ health, education, and sense of belonging. Our Americorps members serve alongside educators and school nutrition leaders to provide kids with nourishing meals, food education, and culturally affirming experiences with food that celebrate and nurture the whole child. Building on our service program, FoodCorps develops leaders, grows networks, and advocates for policy change in service of every kid’s health and wellbeing.

Related Teaching Resources

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.