Nature’s Recyclers

Why aren’t forests full of fallen leaves and trees? Take a look at animals that live off dead organic material through Project Learning Tree’s “Nature’s Recyclers.” This activity is a great way to introduce composting to students. As a service learning project, start composting in your school. Click on the following link for more information:
A Guide to Composting in School

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Book List
Grades PreK-2
Cole, J. 1995. The Magic School Bus Meets the Rot Squad: A Book About Decomposition. Scholastic Inc.
Glaser, L. 1996. Compost!: Growing Gardens from Your Garbage. Millbrook Press, Inc.
Glaser, L. 1994. Wonderful Worms. Millbrook Press.
Hunter, A. 1999. What's Under the Log? Houghton Mifflin Company.
Pfeffer, W. 1997. A Log's Life. Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group.
Portman, M.E. 2002. Compost, By Gosh! Flower Press.
Ross, M.E. 2003. Re-Cycles. Millbrook Press.

Grades 3-5
Appelhof, M. 1997. Worms Eat My Garbage. Flowerfield Enterprises.
Appelhof, M. 2003. Worms Eat Our Garbage: Classroom Activities for a Better Environment. Flowerfield Enterprises.
Green, J. 1999. A Dead Log. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Hughey, P. 1984. Scavengers and Decomposers: The Cleanup Crew. Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Kalman, B. and J. Schaub. 1992. Squirmy Wormy Composters. Crabtree Publishing Company.
Lavies, B. 1993. Compost Critters. Penguin Young Readers Group.
Ring, E. 1996. What Rot! Nature's Mighty Recycler. The Millbrook Press.

Grades 6-8
McLaughlin, M. 1986. Earthworms, Dirt and Rotten Leaves. Avon Books.

Grades 9-12
Campbell, S. 1998. Let it Rot!: The Gardener's Guide to Composting. Storey Publishing, LLC.
Martin, D.L. 1992. Rodale Book of Composting: Easy Methods for Every Gardner. Rodale Press, Incorporated.