Lessons

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to the role of worms in the garden. Students will observe worms in the garden and classroom and learn about the important role they play in keeping soil healthy. They will also work on observational drawings of worms’ unique body structure.

The purpose of this lesson is to introduce students to soil and to explore its different components. During this lesson, students will examine soil from different areas around the school and dissect soil samples from the garden. Students will also work to prepare the garden for winter by protecting the soil. 

The purpose of this lesson is for students to understand the basics of composting and its importance in the garden.  After learning about the different ingredients needed to make compost, students make their own compost stew.  Students will also carefully observe worms in the garden or in a bin in the classroom and learn about their role in the decomposition process.

The purpose of this lesson is for students to identify and describe patterns of what plants need to survive, as well as investigate what helps plants thrive. Students will prepare soil for spring gardening and search for plants in the garden that are not healthy, that are surviving and that are thriving. Students will also create a guide about how to care for plants. This lesson supports the DCPS Kindergarten Science Unit Living Things and Their Habitats.

The purpose of this lesson is for students to learn about soil and its different ingredients and properties, as well as what types of soil are best for growing food. Students will dissect soil to determine the health of different soils around their school.

The purpose of this lesson is for students to investigate what causes erosion and how it impacts our environment. Students will simulate different types of erosion, look for signs of erosion in their school garden, and consider ways to mitigate its damaging effects through plant growth and root systems. The lesson supports the DCPS 4th Grade ELA Unit Rocks and Minerals and the Science Unit Changes over Time to Earth’s Surface and Resources.