This short, animated video follows Green Ninja and his friends as he investigates why the school compost bin smells bad.
Students will learn about the elements of successful compost, including the proper ingredients, the need for moisture, and the importance of mixing.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This video is upbeat and entertaining, with playful graphics that will keep students engaged.
This resource includes beneficial classroom questions and plentiful extension ideas.
Additional Prerequisites
This video assumes that students know what compost is, so be sure students understand this idea before watching and consider using the "Frame" questions provided for additional pre-viewing preparation.
The Garbology video that is suggested as a background-building game may not be working depending on updates to Adobe, so preview this link before using.
Differentiation
It may be helpful to view this short video more than once so that students can keep up with the fast-paced information that is presented.
Before a second viewing of the video, have students use the "Focus" questions to give purpose to their learning.
Put students in groups or with partners after viewing the video to discuss the "Follow-up" questions.
Language arts or science classes could use the writing prompts provided while conducting short research projects on chemical and physical changes or greenhouse gases and compost.
For students who may need additional support, consider using this introductory lesson on composting which contains a relevant lesson plan and worksheet.
As an extension activity, consider using the directions in this guide to create a compost bin or use these compost bin directions.
Scientist Notes
This resource provides teachers with a guide to teach students about reducing waste and composting. The resources provided include framing questions to gauge students understanding of carbon footprints prior to watching a video ~ 3.5 minutes long. The video centers around a group of friends, along with the green ninja, investigating successful composting. Focus questions, along with follow-up questions and optional extensions are provided. This video, along with the supporting material, is well sourced and would make a great addition to a classroom discussing reducing waste and what effects waste reduction could have on the planet.
Standards
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Speaking & Listening (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.3 Delineate a speaker's argument and specific claims, evaluating the soundness of the reasoning and the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.3 Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker, offering appropriate elaboration and detail.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
5-LS2-1 Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.7.3-5 Explain different strategies and approaches students and others could take in working alone and together to address local, regional, and global problems, and predict possible results of their actions.
