The students will use their knowledge of decimals and place value to compare decimals using greater than less than and equal to symbols.

In this lesson, students will collect data about an observation that can be made in the outdoor classroom, record the data on a table, and compare the numbers collected by writing greater-than, less-than statements.

Students will understand that we use numbers to represent a quantity and to compare them.

Students will create mixtures using objects they find in the garden. Also, they need to be able to write a conclusion based on observations.

Students will create mixtures using objects they find in the garden. Also, they need to be able to write a conclusion based on observations.

Students will observe and describe the properties of soil for texture, size, color and ability to support life.

Students will use the decomposition of a compost pile to visualize fractions as parts of a whole.

Students will use the decomposition of a compost pile to visualize fractions as parts of a whole.

Students will explore the ways that plants get recycled into soil/food for other plants.

Students will read the complex text on compost and use the outdoor space to verify or deny the content of the text in the real-world setting.

Students will read the complex text on compost and use the outdoor space to verify or deny the content of the text in the real-world setting.

Students will practice counting up to 20 in a very fun and exciting way. The lesson includes a hands-on component where students will be asked to collect leaves and use them as manipulatives. This lesson is great for kindergarten through first grade.

Students will practice counting up to 20 in a very fun and exciting way. The lesson includes a hands-on component where students will be asked to collect leaves and use them as manipulatives. This lesson is great for kindergarten through first grade.

In this lesson, students will use a square foot gardening planting chart (provided) to calculate the number of crops they can plant within a specific area.

In this lesson, students will use a square foot gardening planting chart (provided) to calculate the number of crops they can plant within a specific area.

In this lesson, students will use a square foot gardening planting chart (provided) to calculate the number of crops they can plant within a specific area.

Students will convert vegetable bed measurements from feet to metric units using decimals.

In this lesson, students will use an existing compost pile to make observations that will help them better understand the decomposition process.

In this lesson, students will use an existing compost pile to make observations that will help them better understand the decomposition process.Background for instructors:The ultimate purpose of this lesson is for students to learn about decomposition as a part of the cycle of energy and matter through an ecosystem. The compost is used as an observation station for this concept and does not therefore have to function in connection with the growing of vegetables in the garden. In other words, a simple pile or decaying organic material will suffice as long as there is evidence of the decomposition process, i.e. fungus, rotting material, and visible organisms. If your school has a functioning compost operation, this lesson can be used to bolster understanding and enthusiasm in that process as well.