Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!
Raising Radishes
Provided by: Center for Ecoliteracy |Published on: January 9, 2023
Lesson Plans Grades 3-5
Synopsis
- In this lesson, students learn about composting and conduct an experiment to determine what type of soil is best for growing radishes.
- After learning about composting, students will spend the next few weeks watching their radishes grow to determine if soil, compost, or a mix of both is best for radishes.
Subjects: Science, Health
Authors: Center for Ecoliteracy
Region: North America, USA - West, United States, Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The lesson plan includes step-by-step instructions for the experiment, background information, and a materials list.
- Students will be able to conduct an experiment over an extended period, make observations, and draw conclusions.
Additional Prerequisites
- The radish plants will need sufficient sunlight or artificial light to grow, and all containers should have the same amount of light.
- You will need radish seeds, containers, soil and compost for the experiment.
- It is best to know the source of the soil before the experiment and avoid soil that may contain any lead or other contaminants.
Differentiation
- In more advanced classes, students can plan, design, and conduct their own investigation or add additional tests or procedures to connect the topic to lessons about photosynthesis, cells, or limiting nutrients.
- A single copy of the "Fruit and Vegetable Adjectives" handout can be provided per group or projected for the class to limit printing and paper use.
- To assess students learning, have students graph their findings and write about what type of soil is best for radishes and why.
- As a follow-up activity, you can create a school compost bin as a class to be used on campus for science projects or fundraisers.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Center for Ecoliteracy
The Center for Ecoliteracy advances the teaching and modeling of sustainable practices in K–12 schools. The organization builds partnerships and the capacity of K–12 schools to support healthy, sustainable school communities and food systems change in schools. The Center for Ecoliteracy leads systems change initiatives, publishes original books and resources, facilitates conferences and professional development, and provides strategic consulting. The organization works at multiple levels of scale, with local, regional, state, and national programs.
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
