We will read the book “Compost Stew” and follow along by creating our own batch of “compost.” Students will learn how the earth recycles and why it’s important for us to do things, like compost, to reduce the amount of waste we create. (30 minutes)
Paper Recycling: Grades K–8
Students learn where paper comes from, its history, its future and why recycling paper is beneficial to the environment. Then they will operate their own paper recycling factory and produce recycled paper right in your classroom. (45 minutes)
Eco-Art: Grades 2–8
After a brief review and discussion of the three R’s, children will tap into their creative side to explore the reuse leg of the reduce-reuse-recycle triangle. We’ll put into practice the concept of reuse through craft making from an item usually destined for the landfill, which students get to take home! We provide the craft materials but request each class supply its own glue, scissors, and crayons or markers.
Recycle This!: Grades 2–12
This program involves a discussion about natural resources from which different kinds of packaging are made, our ability to recycle packaging as well as its biodegradability (or lack thereof). We’ll demonstrate how recycling our packaging saves resources, landfill space, and energy. The program concludes with a game in which students practice sorting their recyclables for curbside collection. (45 minutes)
The Mystery of Landfills: Grades 3-12
What happens to our trash after it is picked up at the curbside? What is the difference between a dump and a sanitary landfill? How are landfills designed to minimize the effects on solid waste disposal on our environment? Using a model of a landfill to visually depict the components of its design we will discuss the answers to these and other questions. (45 minutes)