Lesson Plan: 3
Teacher(s):
Adole
Grade band(s): K-3
Subject: Science
Unit: Composting
Number of students:
Setting: Special Education
Level C
Lesson Objective(s):
Objective 1: Students will be able to generate questions and predictions using observation and
exploration about the natural world.
Objective 2: Students will be able to produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and
situation in order to provide requested detail or clarification.
Objective 3: Students will be able to use worms to enhance decomposition of plant material in
composting. Explain how composting as an effective method to recycle plants and other discarded
material.
Connections to the GBEs:
Standard(s):
Nature and Application of Science Technology
3.1 Generate questions and predictions using observation and exploration about the natural
world.
Essence: Questions and predictions about the natural world.
E1: Use observation to make predictions
E2: Ask questions about the natural world
E3: Utilize the 5 senses to observe/explore the natural world
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
2.6 Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation in order to provide
requested detail or clarification.
Essence: Speak in complete sentences.
E1: Express thoughts in complete sentences
E2: Express thoughts in one word response
E3: Respond appropriately with yes/no
Earth’s Dynamic Systems
2.1 Use worms to enhance decomposition of plant material in composting. Explain how
composting as an effective method to recycle plants and other discarded material.
E1: Identify the benefits of composting
E2: Identify a material that can be found in compost
E3: Categorize materials as compostable and not compostable
3.3 Collect data using observation, simple tools and equipment. Record data in tables, charts
and bar graphs. Compare data with others to examine and question results.
E1: Collect and compare data from multiple sources
E2: Collect and display data in a given chart
ACCESS Project, Center for Disabilities Studies, UD
Delaware Department of Education
E3: Identify data in a given chart or table
Least support
Moderate support
Most support
Students will be able observe
the soil and make predictions
about the soil.
Students will be able to ask
questions about soil
Students will be able to express
their thoughts about the soil in
complete sentences.
Students will be able to express Students will be able to respond
appropriately to yes/no
their thoughts about the soil in
questions about the soil.
a one word response.
Students will be able to identify
the benefits of compost.
Students will be able to identify
the materials that can be found
in compost.
Students will be able to
categorize materials that are
compostable and not
compostable.
Students will be able to collect
and display data in a given
chart.
Students will be able to identify
data in a given chart or table.
Students will be able to collect
and compare data from multiple
sources.
Students will be able to answer
yes/no questions about the soil.
Materials:
KWL Chart
Crayons
Pencils
Pic symbols
Sandwich bags (re-sealable)
Whole punch
Plant matter
Soil
Worms
Masking tape
Cups
Sponges
Newspaper
Large container with a lid
For closing activity:
Pudding
Chocolate sandwich cookies
Gummy worms
Cups
Plastic bags
Spoons
Activities:
ACCESS Project, Center for Disabilities Studies, UD
Delaware Department of Education
1. Rot Squad Recap: The teacher will review
how compost is made and its benefits.
How to make compost: Soil, plant matter (grass
clippings, leaves, twigs), worms and water.
3. 4-5 weeks later…
Compost Ingredients Recap: The teacher will
review how compost is made and its benefits.
How to make compost: Soil, plant matter (grass
clippings, leaves, twigs), worms and
water.
2. Compost Bags: The teacher will ask the
students what they saw, smelled and felt then
they were exploring the soil. The teacher will
also ask what soil is used for and why it is
important.
A) Students will be given plastic bags with their
names on them and they will be told to make 4
holes near the top of the bag.
B) Students will be given soil to place at the
bottom of the bag.
C) Students will be told to place a small amount
of plant matter in the bag.
D) The teacher will go to each student and
deposit 2 to 3 worms into their composting bags.
E) Student will sprinkle water into the bags to
moisten the mixture.
D) The composting bags will be placed in a dark
area of the classroom.
4. Compost Bags: The teacher will pass out
each student’s compost and the students will
observe, compare and discuss what they see and
then draw their findings on the worksheet.
Warm-up:
Begin by talking about worms and how they can do amazing things. The assist in the composting
process.
Key Vocabulary:
Organic
Humus
Decomposers
Age
Predict
Preparation
Compost pile
Compost
Castings
Barriers:
Print
Non-verbal communication
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) brainstorm:
Representation
How will instructional content
and materials be presented to
the students (the “what” of
learning)?
ACCESS Project, Center for Disabilities Studies, UD
Actions/ Expression
How are the students able to
interact with the materials and
demonstrate knowledge (the
“how” of learning)?
Engagement
What interests and engages
students in the learning process
(the “why” of learning)?
Delaware Department of Education
Edible representation
Materials presented via edible
objects
The students love to be rewarded
with edibles
Tangible objects
Students will manipulate tangibles
Making it possible for all my
students to be successful creates
self motivation through confidence
Teaching Strategies:
Modeling
Brainstorming
Graduated guidance
Think aloud
Assessments:
Response mode:
Completion of compost bags
VOD
Completion of worksheet showing results
Verbal communication
Gestures
Possible accommodations to use with this lesson:
Picture representation
Hand over hand assistance with making compost
bag if needed
Closing Activity:
The students will create a dirt dessert:
a. students will pour pudding into a clear cup.
b. students will crush the sandwich cookies that have been provided in a re-sealable bag.
c. students will pour the crushed cookies on top of the pudding.
d. students will receive gummy worms to top off their dirt dessert.
As students are eating review the KWL chart and add to the L column.
ACCESS Project, Center for Disabilities Studies, UD
Delaware Department of Education