Age-appropriate lesson plans, activities, and resources for educators, schools, and community programs
Request Curriculum MaterialsOur early childhood curriculum emphasizes sensory exploration, wonder, and the development of positive relationships with the natural world. Activities are playful, engaging multiple senses and fostering curiosity.
A sensory-rich introduction to the garden environment, designed to foster wonder and curiosity about plants, soil, and garden creatures.
Simple seed starting and plant growth activities that introduce young children to plant life cycles and basic plant needs.
A gentle introduction to composting through child-friendly worm bin activities that build comfort with soil organisms.
Activities focused on beneficial insects and other garden creatures, fostering appreciation for biodiversity and ecological relationships.
Simple harvesting, food preparation, and tasting activities that connect garden experiences to healthy eating.
Activities that help young children observe, track, and respond to weather patterns in the garden throughout the seasons.
A gentle introduction to vermicomposting for young children
By the end of this lesson, children will be able to:
Begin by gathering children in a circle and introducing them to "Wiggly" the worm puppet. Use the puppet to share a simple story about how worms help gardens grow by turning food scraps into rich soil for plants. Ask children what they know about worms and record their ideas on chart paper.
Gather children back in a circle and review what they learned about worms. Create a simple chart together showing what worms need to be healthy (food, moisture, darkness, gentle handling). Read a worm-themed picture book to reinforce concepts.
Observe children during the activity and note:
For elementary-aged learners, our curriculum balances structured learning with discovery and play. Activities develop basic gardening skills, scientific inquiry, and environmental responsibility.
Inquiry-based activities that develop observation skills and scientific thinking through garden investigations.
A comprehensive exploration of plant development from seed to seed, with hands-on growing projects and documentation activities.
Activities that explore decomposition processes and develop skills in managing different composting systems.
Cooking and nutrition activities that connect garden harvests to healthy eating and cultural food traditions.
Activities focused on water conservation, watershed awareness, and sustainable irrigation techniques.
Exploration of garden biodiversity and the creation of habitat features to support wildlife.
Building and monitoring a compost system while learning about decomposition
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Begin with a discussion about what happens to food scraps and yard waste when they're thrown away. Introduce the concept of composting as "nature's recycling system" that turns organic waste into valuable soil. Show examples of finished compost and garden soil, allowing students to observe and compare them.
Gather students to reflect on the composting process. Create a class prediction chart about how the compost pile will change over time. Discuss how the finished compost will eventually be used in the garden to grow new plants, completing the cycle.
Our middle school curriculum engages learners' growing capacity for abstract thinking and interest in social issues. Activities emphasize deeper scientific understanding, practical skills, and community connections.
A project-based unit that guides students through the process of designing, planning, and implementing garden spaces.
An exploration of soil properties, soil health, and the relationship between soil management and plant productivity.
A comprehensive study of different composting methods, with opportunities to design, build, and manage composting systems.
An investigation of food production, distribution, and access issues, connecting garden activities to broader food system concepts.
Activities that explore the connections between gardening, composting, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
A project-based unit that guides students in developing garden-based enterprises that address community needs.
Analyzing the environmental impact of food transportation and exploring local alternatives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Begin by asking students to consider where their food comes from before it reaches their plate. Show examples of food items with distant origins (e.g., bananas from Ecuador, rice from Thailand). Introduce the concept of "food miles" as the distance food travels from where it's grown to where it's consumed, and discuss why this might matter environmentally.
Facilitate a discussion about the benefits and challenges of eating locally. Have students reflect on the trade-offs involved (environmental impact vs. food variety, convenience, cost, etc.). Brainstorm practical steps students can take to reduce the food miles in their own diets.
For high school students, our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, systems understanding, and leadership development. Activities connect environmental issues to social and economic dimensions.
An in-depth exploration of agricultural methods, comparing conventional, organic, and agroecological approaches.
A critical examination of food access, equity, and community control in food systems, with emphasis on solution development.
An advanced study of waste management approaches that transform "waste" into resources through circular economy principles.
Activities focused on understanding climate impacts on food systems and developing adaptation and mitigation strategies.
A project-based unit guiding students through the process of developing and implementing community food initiatives.
An exploration of emerging approaches to sustainable food production, with opportunities for student innovation.
Analyzing local food environments and developing strategies to address food access challenges
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Begin with a discussion of food access as a multidimensional concept that includes physical proximity, affordability, quality, and cultural appropriateness. Introduce the concept of "food environments" as the physical, social, economic, and policy factors that influence food choices. Present examples of food environment disparities and their health implications. Outline the community food assessment process and its role in developing effective interventions.
Based on assessment findings, have student teams develop evidence-based recommendations for improving food access in the community. Recommendations should address multiple dimensions of access and leverage identified community assets. Create presentation materials to share findings and recommendations with community stakeholders.
Our adult education curriculum respects learners' existing knowledge and experiences while building new skills and understanding. Activities are practical, immediately applicable, and connected to community needs.
A comprehensive introduction to ecological gardening principles and practices for beginning gardeners.
Specialized modules for experienced gardeners looking to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience.
A practical guide to designing, implementing, and managing various composting systems for different contexts.
Tools and strategies for developing and managing successful community garden projects.
Methods and materials for using gardens as educational spaces for diverse learners.
Techniques for extending the life of garden harvests through various preservation and processing methods.
A participatory workshop for developing appropriate composting systems for community settings
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Begin with participant introductions focused on their composting experience and community context. Present an overview of community composting benefits and challenges. Introduce the workshop process as a step-by-step approach to developing context-appropriate composting systems.
Have participants present their composting system designs and implementation plans to the group for feedback. Facilitate a discussion of potential challenges and solutions. Provide resources for ongoing support and connect participants with a network of community composting practitioners.
Explore additional educational materials to support your teaching and learning.
A comprehensive introduction to Dilulu's educational approach, curriculum structure, and implementation guidelines.
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Practical guides for establishing and maintaining gardens in different contexts, with region-specific planting information.
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Concise, informative resources on key topics in sustainable gardening, composting, and environmental stewardship.
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Ready-to-use lesson plans aligned with educational standards, organized by subject area and age group.
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Instructional videos demonstrating key gardening, composting, and environmental education techniques.
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Ready-to-use workshop outlines, presentation slides, handouts, and facilitation guides for community education.
View MaterialsInterested in implementing Dilulu's curriculum in your educational setting? Contact us to request complete curriculum materials, discuss adaptation to your context, or explore professional development opportunities.
