TurfMutt Lesson Plan: What’s in one square foot of earth? A lot!

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the new lesson plans that the TurfMutt Foundation recently released. In this one, students in grades K-2 will go outside and observe a square foot of ground for a few minutes to journal about the organisms they see. Then, they will use these observations to describe the patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

The STEM-focused lesson, entitled “What’s In One Square Foot of Earth” is available for teachers, parents, and guardians to download directly from the TurfMutt.com website. The lessons are also available in the USGBC Learning Lab.

This lesson is intended to take about one hour and 15 minutes. It also includes additional add-on activities to help kids grow an even greater appreciation for the green space around them.

To learn more about creating the yard of your dreams, go to TurfMutt.com. For more information, sign up for Mutt Mail, a monthly e-newsletter with backyarding tips and all the news from the TurfMutt Foundation here. Look for Mulligan the TurfMutt on the CBS Lucky Dog television show. Download the International Backyarding Fact Book to learn why spending time in our yards and community parks is good for us and the planet.