• This interactive crossword puzzle explores proper ways of composting, what materials should be avoided when composting, what happens to compost over time, and the positive impact composting can have on the environment.
• Students will learn whether or not pet manure is useful for composting, what food scraps are beneficial for composting, and how composting impacts the amount of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

Positives

• This game is visually appealing and easy to play.
• Students can have up to 7 letters revealed to them while solving the puzzle.

Additional Prerequisites

• Students should know what composting is before they play the game.
• Students should also have some understanding of the carbon cycle and how its relevant to climate change.

Differentiation

• This game could supplement a lesson on the carbon cycle where the assessment could involve students developing their own models to describe the carbon cycle or coming up with their own crossword.
• For ELLs, it may be useful to define some words before these students play the game.
• Students could compare the information in this game with what they learned in a science textbook that discusses the carbon cycle, decomposition, nutrient cycling, or ecosystems.
• After students play individually, the puzzle could be displayed on a whiteboard and played as a class in order to gauge overall student comprehension, address misconceptions, and further reinforce the material.
  

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.