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

Resource Library

Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem
In this lesson, students take a deep dive into exploring how energy moves through a garden ecosystem. First, students define and observe examples of energy in the garden ecosystem. Then they examine where the energy in a garden ecosystem comes from, and whether it could ever run out.
Grade: 
6 – 8
Progression:
10 of 13
Standards:
Aligned
How Matter Moves in an Ecosystem
In this lesson, students take a deep dive into exploring how energy and matter move through a garden ecosystem. Students start by defining and observing examples of matter in the garden ecosystem.
Grade: 
6 – 8
Progression:
11 of 13
Standards:
Aligned
Compost
In this two-day lesson, students will explore the agricultural practice of composting, and the role of decomposition in a garden ecosystem. The first day focuses on exploring the process of decomposition using observations of a series of compost piles at different stages of decomposition.
Grade: 
6 – 8
Progression:
12 of 13
Standards:
Aligned
Final Project
In this lesson, students will synthesize their learning from the unit in order to develop a planting proposal for the garden. Depending on how in-depth you want your students to go, you may choose to spend anywhere from a day to a week on this part of the unit.
Grade: 
6 – 8
Progression:
13 of 13
Standards:
Aligned
Student Engagement Workbook
Student engagement is the degree of attention, interest, curiosity, and positive emotional connections students experience while learning. It is what we build from to understand instruction.
Grade: 
PreK – 2, 3 – 5, 6 – 8, 9 – 12
Practices of Organic Farming: Cover Crops
In this collection of lessons, students will engage in hands-on activities exploring the practices of organic farming. Students will complete a rotation of four activities: soil investigation, cultivation, planting cover crops, and creating a compost pile.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Progression:
7 of 10
How To: Cut Vegetables
Do you want to cut vegetables and fruits like the professional chefs on TV? You can after a little study and a lot of practice. This lesson will introduce you to the basic cuts that are used on most vegetables.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Progression:
1 of 10
Exploring a Community Garden
What can our communities teach us about organic food and practices? In this lesson, students will visit a local garden to explore that question.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
ESYB Curriculum
Environment Debate Plate: Frittata and Salad
In this eighth-grade humanities lesson, students make frittata and salad with their choice of salad dressing, and discuss the relationship between food choices and the environment with a specific focus on water use and food waste.
Grade: 
6 – 8, 9 – 12
Progression:
6 of 10
Standards:
Aligned
Root Investigations
Have you ever wondered what happens below ground when a plant grows? Today, you are going to watch a time-lapse video of a bean seed growing. Next, you will examine the root systems of different plants and make observations.
Grade: 
3 – 5, 6 – 8
Progression:
2 of 6
Standards:
Aligned
Interview an Elder
Is there a food that reminds you of a memory from when you were younger? Can you think of recipes or flavors that have been passed down in your family for generations?
Grade: 
3 – 5, 6 – 8, 9 – 12, Whole Family
Progression:
8 of 12

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