U. S. Government: Democracy In Action

Chapter 21: Social and Domestic Policy

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter students will learn the impact of national policy on their lives and examine how political issues affect social and domestic policies. They will discover that one aspect of domestic policy deals with the environment, and therefore the government plays a large role in promoting conservation and protecting the environment. In this lesson students will visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site to learn more about recycling.

Lesson Description
Students will go to the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site to explore the topic of recycling. They will review the recycling process and will examine maps presenting recycling data among the states.

Instructional Objectives

1. Students will be able to summarize ways to participate in the recycling effort.
2. Students will be able to read and examine maps to draw conclusions.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Step 1: Collection and Processing—materials are collected through one of several methods and then sent to a facility to be sorted and prepared for manufacturing; Step 2: Manufacturing—materials are incorporated into the manufacturing of various items; Step 3: Purchasing Recycled Products—governments, businesses, and consumers purchase the recycled products .
2. Businesses can start a recycling program, get involved in recycling organizations, and buy recycled-content products. Local governments can improve the efficiency of collection programs, practice full-cost accounting, and explore ways to increase recycling rates. Citizens can recycle at home and buy recycled products.
3. Highest: South Dakota, Minnesota, South Carolina, New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and Maine; Lowest: Arkansas, Montana, and Wyoming .
4. Students' answers will vary.
5. Students' editorials will vary.