The recycling
activity follows instructional classes on conservation of resources, reduction
of waste, and reusable resources (water bottles, washable containers, reusable
bags, etc.).
Day 1:
1. Post questions to
answer after viewing either video. (See Video Question attachment.) Use either United Streaming: Magic
School Bus Holiday Special, “Recycling Matters” (1 of 7 segments: Recycling Waste),
or “Curious George Goes Green”, DVD/VHS (1 of 8 segments: Curious George Does
Trash).
2. Teacher assigns
one question per group to discuss and summarize following the viewing.
3. On promethean
board or chart paper, teacher records brief summary of each question. (Leave
space for add-on info after class reviews.)
4. Class reviews
summaries, revises, and/or adds info if necessary.
5. Teacher assigns
homework and models creating a chart for recording trash items at home that
should be recycled. (Ask students to keep the record for two to three days.)
Day 2:
1. Teacher introduces
concept of school “going green.”
Teacher should ask:
- Why is this
important?
- How can we get
started?
- What areas in our
school are currently “green”?
2. Class walks halls,
cafeteria, outside area, and records any “green” ideas/objects they see. Partners or teams share their list with
class. Teacher should ask, “Do you
think that is enough?”
3. Lead the class in
a brainstorming session on what items we use at school that can be
recycled. Students take notes in
their Science Journals. Also,
students should consider what resources can be reused around the exterior of
the school building?
4. Use
differentiation to create teams, which are then assigned designated
school areas.
5. Teacher assigns
homework: Students should think up ideas they can share with their team about
possible designs. On-going: Continue charting trash found at home.
Day 3:
1. Teacher reviews
teams’ assignments. Teams discuss
and agree on a design. Teacher
facilitates and reviews final choice by each team.
(Note: An “exterior
team’s” assignment is to design a system for reusing a natural resource. {It
will probably be rainwater. Accept
any reasonable idea. Exterior team’s design can include a water bucket and
hose, etc., to collect rainwater under spouts, or borders around edges to
prevent erosion, for example.})
(Note: Teams must
design an original container for their interior. NO manufactured-type trash
baskets.)
2. Teacher assigns
book report due on Day 5 and distributes non-fiction graphic organizer. If necessary, Teacher models using
organizer. On-going: Continue charting trash found at home.
Day 4:
1. Volunteers share
“at home” chart of recyclable trash.
Students orally compare/contrast their charts. Lead a discussion so
students conclude that they can post the list at home for family members.
2. Teams complete
their sketches and agree on their final design. Each team should have a “recorder” who takes notes as each
team develops their oral presentation.
3. Teacher
distributes Oral Presentation Rubric and facilitates during this stage.
4. Presenters
practice their presentations.
Day 5:
1. Each team presents
their design sketch. Allow time
for constructive feedback from other teams about the design, not the
presentation skills.