EPA/530-SW-90-005A
Let's Reduce and Recycle: A Curricu-
lum for Solid Waste Awareness con-
tains a series of activities intended
to increase students' awareness of
the impacts of garbage on the envi-
ronment, and to teach them about
waste prevention and recycling tech-
niques. Although the curriculum fo-
cuses on trash, it also addresses other
environmental concerns (such as air and water
quality), as well as the social and economic issues
associated with environmental pollution.
Garbage, and the way we choose to manage it, is
an environmental issue that has been gaining at-
tention in recent years, both within the classroom
and in the nation as a whole. Ameri-
cans generate more trash than any
other country in the world, and the
amount of garbage we create is
steadily increasing each year.
Not only is trash a highly visible is-
sue, but it is also one with which
every student can relate' since EVERYONE
generates trash. For this reason,', "teaching trash" in
the classroom is an excellent way to introduce stu-
dents to environmental issues in general, to the con-
cept that we all share a responsibility for protecting
and maintaining our planet, and to the recognition
that through our lifestyles and behaviors each one
of us can make a difference.
Printed on Recycled Paper
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Activity
111 Fill
f'HilBIC
Art
[ Language j
Arts
Math
Music
Science
1
Social
Studies
Duration
One to two periods
20 to 40 minutes
20 to 40 minutes
20 to 40 minutes
.
20 to 40 minutes
_ T
One to two periods
More than two weeks
20 to 40 minutes
'
20 to 40 minutes
20 to 40 minutes
20 to 40 minutes
_
20 to 40 minutes
One to two periods
20 to 40 minutes
20 to 40 minutes
One to two periods
One to two periods
;
20 to 40 minutes
11r
20 to 40 minutes
* ~.
One to two periods
mi »
Three to five periods
_
One to two periods
.
20 to 40 minutes
.
20 to 40 minutes
__.
Minimum three periods |
.
Half day to full day
One to two periods
.
Half day to full day
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Unit One
Activity
Art
Language
Arts
Matti
Music
Science
1
1
Social
Studies
Duration
One to two periods
' .
2p to 40 minutes
20 to 40 minutes
20 to 40 minutes
20 to 40 minutes
: _
One to two periods
M
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How to Use This Curriculum
This curriculum is divided into two sections: one each for grades kindergarten
through 6; and another for grades 7 through 12. Each section contains units ad-
dressing key concepts related to solid waste generation and management:
What is waste?
B How do we manage our waste?
How does waste affect our resources?
How can we produce less waste?
What can we do about the waste we produce?
These units are further divided into hands-on activities that engage students in an ex-
ploration of the scientific, economic, and social implications of solid waste issues.
Activity components include:
Objective - The purpose of the activity; what students should be able to do or ac-
complish through the activity.
Vocabulary - The new terms students will need to know as they work through an ac-
tivity. Vocabulary words are presented in italics when they first appear in the activity
procedures, and are defined in a glossary at the back of the curriculum.
Procedure - The directions for conducting an activity in the classroom. The proce-
dures typically consist of activity steps followed by questions that can be used to initi-
ate a discussion or illustrate a point. Any materials or equipment needed to perform
the activity also are listed, along with suggestions for expanding the activity through
additional projects such as field trips, classroom displays, and homework assign-
ments.
In addition, the curriculum also contains tools to help ease presentation of the activi-
ties and make them more relevant to students' and educators' needs, including:
Community Profile Worksheet - A worksheet for estimating local impacts and
costs of garbage.
Clip Art - Illustrations and cartoons to engage students and encourage them to use
their creativity while participating in the activities.
glossary - An alphabetical listing of all vocabulary words from the activities along
with their definitions.
"Throwaway Three" - A short skit that enables students to explore through the art
of performance the various ways that trash has been managed throughout time and
to consider recycling as an alternative to disposal.
Contacts - A listing of state solid waste agencies.
Resources - A listing of books, posters, curricula, and other materials that can help
illustrate and expand upon the points made in the activities.
Evaluation Form - A short form that educators can complete if they would like to
provide feedback to EPA on the effectiveness of the curriculum.
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1 I'A/S Ml :.W 'Ml IK
This document is a tool for educational instructors to use to
stimulate discussion about and heighten awareness of
Solid Waste issues. The units in the curriculum can be
modified appropriately to meet the needs of the students and
the instructors. Publication of this document by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency does not
constitute the endorsement of any consumer product over
another. This document is merely an educational tool and is
not intended to influence purchasing habits.
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