Choose Learning Type ▼

Leaf to Soil

Activity

Acting Out Nature’s Recycling Team

Split into teams and assign half of each team to be “leaves” and the other half to be “decomposers.” Set a start line for the leaves and a finish line for the decomposers to wait at. One at a time, each leaf teammate crawls, rolls, or leaps to the finish line, acting like a fallen leaf. When they arrive, they tag their decomposer teammate. That decomposer must then wiggle, dance, or shake their way back to the start line, pretending to break the leaf down into soil. Continue until all players have had a turn, then switch roles if you would like to play again. The sillier, the better!

Science Seed

Decomposers like fungi, bacteria, and insects break down dead plants and animals into smaller pieces. This process releases important nutrients back into the soil, helping new plants grow. Without decomposers, dead leaves and animals would pile up, and the soil would run out of nutrients. They are like nature’s cleanup crew, making sure ecosystems stay healthy and can keep growing. Without them, plants would not get the food they need, and life on Earth would not be as balanced.

move to the next activity

earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Perez Elementary School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.