Upper Primary (Grades 5‑6)

Exploring ecosystems, composting science, food systems, and nutrition through hands‑on garden investigation and student‑led inquiry projects.

Overview

Upper Primary students become junior scientists and community researchers. They investigate complex garden ecosystems, design and conduct experiments, analyse data, and share findings with their school and community. The curriculum nurtures critical thinking, collaboration, and a growing sense of environmental responsibility — all anchored in the living laboratory of the school garden.

What Students Learn

Learning Objectives

Model the flow of energy and nutrients through a garden ecosystem

Explain the science of composting — decomposition, carbon‑nitrogen ratios, and microbial activity

Trace the journey of food from farm to table and identify points of waste, processing, and value addition

Plan a garden layout considering companion planting, crop rotation, and seasonal timing

Conduct a simple nutrition analysis and propose a balanced meal plan using garden produce

Present research findings to peers, teachers, and community members

Curriculum

Key Topics

Ecosystems & Biodiversity

Students map the garden as an ecosystem — identifying producers, consumers, and decomposers. They explore concepts of habitat, niche, and interdependence, and understand why biodiversity makes gardens more resilient to pests and climate stress.

The Science of Composting

Moving beyond 'how' to 'why', students explore the biology and chemistry of decomposition. They measure carbon‑nitrogen ratios, track temperature changes in active compost, and test finished compost against commercial fertilisers.

Food Systems Journey

Students trace the path of a common food item — from seed to farm to processing to transport to market to plate. They identify environmental impacts, food miles, waste points, and opportunities for more sustainable local food systems.

Garden Planning & Design

Using graph paper and measurement skills, students design a garden bed considering companion planting, crop families, rotation schedules, sunlight, and water access. They present and defend their designs to classmates.

Nutrition Science

Students research the nutritional content of garden vegetables, compare them to processed alternatives, and design balanced meal plans. Discussions connect nutrition to academic performance, health, and community wellbeing.

Activities

Sample Activities

Ecosystem Web Game

Each student represents a garden organism. Using a ball of string, they create a physical food web — then watch what happens when one species is removed. A powerful lesson in interconnectedness.

Compost Cook‑Off

Teams compete to build the 'hottest' compost pile — measuring temperature daily and adjusting carbon‑nitrogen ratios. The winning team's compost is used in the school garden.

Food Miles Audit

Students audit a typical meal, calculating the distance each ingredient travelled. They compare with a meal made entirely from local garden produce and discuss implications for climate and community resilience.

Garden Design Challenge

Given a real garden plot, students work in teams to create planting plans, budgets, and maintenance schedules. The winning design is implemented and monitored throughout the season.

Dilulu

Connection to Dilulu's Mission

Food systems analysis directly supports Dilulu's mission of empowering communities to understand and shape their own food futures.

The scientific rigour of composting and ecosystem study builds skills that students can apply to real‑world environmental challenges in their communities.

Student‑led inquiry and presentation develops the leadership and communication skills essential for future community organisers, educators, and advocates.

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Lesson Plans →

Overview