The Good ‘Sort’ of Recycling
Grade 2 | Grade 3 | Grade 4
Summary
This activity gives students a basic understanding of what they can recycle using items from home or a recycling clean-up of the schoolyard.
After introducing the concept of recycling to students, schedule a schoolyard/neighbourhood clean-up or ask students to bring clean items from home. Place a blue bin and a garbage bin at the front of the classroom. Ask each student to place their item in front of the bin they think it belongs to. Use this activity to discuss as a class why each item is or is not recyclable and have students demonstrate their learnings with the downloadable worksheet.
Thinking Concepts and Skills
- What is recycling?
- Sorting garbage and recycling
- Understanding and identifying differences
- Being aware of the environment (playgrounds, parks)
- Sharing ideas and asking questions
Lesson Materials
Matériel Pédagogique
The Good ‘Sort’ of Recycling
Sort and discuss materials as a class to learn what can go in the blue bin.
Don’t be a Litterbug
Let students get creative while learning about recycling by making bugs out of recyclables.
Colour me Blue
Have students colour and cutout pictures from the worksheet to get familiar with recyclables.
Your Recycling Journal
Have students document and reflect on their recycling habits to learn how they can improve.
Landfill Emissions
Understand landfill emissions and learn how reducing food waste can have positive effects.
Waste Audit
Measure how much waste your school is generating and identify opportunities to reduce it.
Word Search
Introduce students to common words and phrases related to recycling and environmentalism.