Raising Radishes
Provided by: Center for Ecoliteracy|Published on: January 9, 2023|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 3, 4, 5
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Science, Health
Authors: Center for Ecoliteracy
Location: Earth, North America, North America > United States
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
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.
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.
This resource is a more in-depth lesson on radishes and teaches students about composting and how to experiment with the best growing conditions. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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