FoodPrints Curriculum

Decomposers in the Garden

Theme:

Habitats & Life Cycles

Standards Alignment:

Next Generation Science Standards

Common Core ELA

Grade Level:

5th Grade

Season:

Spring / March

Overview

The purpose of this lesson is for students to understand the important role of decomposers in composting. They will search for decomposers in the garden and build their own compost jars to be able to closely watch the process of decomposition. Through a close reading of the Connected Text, they will learn about the important roles of tiny microbes in our diets and in the natural world.

Big Idea

Decomposers are an integral part of nature's recycling.

Guiding Questions

What role do decomposers play in soil health?

How is composting valuable to people, animals, and other living things?