Resource Library
Discover free lesson plans and materials created by our program and partners.

Resource Library

Analyzing Media on Organic
There are many different ideas and opinions about organic food and farming—getting comfortable understanding and analyzing the ideas of others allows students to form their own informed views.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Progression:
8 of 10
Discussion on Organic
In this lesson, students explore their pre-existing associations with the word organic. This lesson extends on the conversations from the lesson, What is Organic?. Students will map and discuss their thoughts, as well as the various influences that make up their understanding of organic.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Progression:
5 of 10
Principles of Organic
In this lesson students will explore the guiding principles that inform and define organic agriculture. Students will identify and discuss the four principles of organic before delving into the ecology of a garden.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Progression:
2 of 10
Create Your Own: Quick Organic Pickles
Pickles are a delicious snack or accompaniment to many different foods. Pickling – the process of fermenting in a salt brine or using vinegar to preserve and flavor vegetables – is believed to be the oldest method of preserving food and dates back to over 4,000 years old.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Progression:
3 of 10
What is Organic?
Many of us are familiar with the term organic. Even if we understand what the definition is, we don’t always take the time to explore what organic represents. In this lesson, you will explore and discuss your understanding of what organic is and what it represents to you.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Progression:
9 of 9
ESYB Curriculum
Compost Lab
In this sixth grade science class, students will begin to understand the process of decomposition and learn about the organisms responsible for breaking down matter. Students will also begin to make the connection with finished compost as food for plants in the garden.
Grade: 
6 – 8
Progression:
3 of 10
Standards:
Aligned
ESYB Curriculum
Kale Pesto with Lemonade
In this sixth-grade lesson, students experience cooking and eating outdoors. Instead of the usual Closing Circle in the Ramada, we enjoy fresh food and good conversation as we eat together at the long table to celebrate the last 6th grade garden class of the year.
Grade: 
6 – 8
Progression:
10 of 10
Standards:
Aligned
ESYB Curriculum
Greenhouse Lab
In this sixth-grade science class, students will begin to understand what the greenhouse effect is and how it is connected to global warming.
Grade: 
6 – 8
Progression:
5 of 10
Standards:
Aligned
ESYB Curriculum
CHNOPS
In this eighth-grade science lesson, students review the six essential elements of life and discuss how they function in the garden.
Grade: 
6 – 8
Progression:
3 of 3
Standards:
Aligned
Flowering Seeds: Winnowing
This food system lesson introducesthe concept that there are processes for getting food to the fork. It can be paired with a science and/or humanities lesson on ancient culture’s methods for processing grains.
Grade: 
3 – 5
Progression:
1 of 3
Plants to Compost
This lesson builds upon past lessons on decomposition and plant nutrients. The activities dive deeper into the importance of compost in providing nutrients for plants.
Grade: 
3 – 5
Progression:
3 of 3

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