About this resource
Identify the benefits of recycling as outlined on the Environmental Protection Agency website. Students will utilize a variety of print and electronic resources to determine how people in a sustainable community reduce waste, use less energy, and save money by doing simple things at home, at work, and in their neighborhoods. These resources will also aid students in establishing the three components of recycling, as they work in stations to learn more about recycling and its positive impact on the environment. We will contrast this with the ecological devastation that comes from plastic disposal.
Begin the learning activity by engaging students in a discussion noting the benefits of plastic in our everyday lives including its use as bags, cups, and food storage. Next ask students to consider what they know about the dangers of plastic including health risks associated with chemicals in plastic and the impact of plastic disposal on the environment.
The librarian will assign each student the number 1, 2 or 3 as a way to sort the class in collaborative groups of three. The students will work in these groups to explore the four different stations of information and innovation, rotating every 10 minutes.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Science, Social Studies, Technology
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science - Middle School: Scientific Investigation and Reasoning
Curriculum Standard: Identify appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials.
What students will do
7th grade students will generate relevant and effective questions to ignite an inquiry into a problem in order to develop an innovative solution.
Resources Needed
- Library books for centers
- Student devices
- Copies of article "A Brewing Problem" by James Hamblin
Lesson sequence & procedures
Station one: Students will access their devices to explore the EPA website, specifically the Kids area and the game Dumptown City which features waste reduction procedures that significantly impact the community and environment.
Station two: Students will use the books Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion Burns by Loree Griffin, Patricia Newman's Plastic, ahoy! : Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and The Earth Works Group: The new 50 Simple Things Kids Can do to Save the Earth by M. Montez and L. Bodger to gain an understanding of the pros and cons of plastic use and disposal, and what we can do about it.
Station three: Students will read copies of the article "A Brewing Problem" by James Hamblin which depicts the waste that has accumulated with the invention of the Keurig Kcup, and the inventor's regrets about creating the non-recyclable coffee pods.
Station four: Students will generate questions about methods to dispose of plastic ecologically and possibly outline innovations to address the ecological problem of plastic. Each group will generate three good ways to upcycle or recycle with plastic bags – such as a new use for the bag (stuffing for packages, trash can liners etc.) or a craft such as a reusable tote or kite.
After all the groups have rotated to each station, the students will share their questions and ideas for upcycling or reusing a plastic bag.