Compost Critters
Lesson Plan Extensions
The following are some good lesson plans to implement while reading Compost Critters:
Concepts: composting, bugs, nature photography
- Create a compost bin for your class or school in the Fall and use the compost to help plant a garden in the Spring. Don’t forget to check out all the cool bugs that appear along the way. Draw and label them, as well as graph how many of each type you encounter. You can see if there is a Master Gardener in your area through the local Extension/4H office that can help you with the compost and garden.
- Create mini composters in glass jars or clear two-liter plastic soda bottles and see how long it takes for certain items to break down. Make estimates ahead of time and chart results in a log as a class over a six to eight week period. Use items like an apple core or banana peel, paper bag, a piece of wood, and a piece of Styrofoam. (Approximate Decomposition Rates: banana peel=3-4 weeks; paper bag=1 month; wood=10-15 years; Styrofoam=eternity)
- Make a class photo album of nature found around your school
