New York Science Grade 8

Unit 2: Humans in their Environments

Trash

Project Type: Career
Introduce students to the concept of trash and how we use things in our everyday life. Have students brainstorm different kinds of trash that people make. Break the students into small groups and have them develop a concept map including some of the types of trash discussed in class. Have the students identify some of the sources of this trash, how people dispose of their trash, and what happens to trash through time. After 20 minutes, have each group present their concept map to the class. Invite a guest speaker from the local waste disposal or recycling company to speak to the class on recycling, reducing, and reusing products.

Introduction:
Isn't it a pain to take out the garbage? Have you ever thought about the stuff you are throwing out? What actually is garbage made out of? Well, most of the stuff you throw out can be reused, recycled, or reduced. In this activity, you will identify different types of trash, some of the sources of this trash, how people dispose of their trash, and what happens to trash through time. Just think, by simply rethinking the concept of garbage, you could alleviate the burden of taking the trash out to the corner every week.

Task:

Break up into small groups:

• One large piece of paper per group
• Several old magazines, paste, pencils, and scissors
• Brainstorm different types of trash
• Find types of trash in pictures in the magazines and create a concept map showing the origin of the trash, how it will be disposed, and what happens to the trash over time

Time:
It will take one class period to brainstorm the project and create the concept map. It will take one class period to display the group's concept maps and listen to the guest speaker.

Possible Resources:
http://www.earth911.org/master.asp?s=kids&a=kids/quiz/quiz.asp
http://www.epa.gov/recyclecity/
http://www.napcor.com/
http://www.compostguide.com/

Product:
Create a concept map that shows the origin of trash in your everyday life, how you dispose of the trash and the final fate of the trash.

Rubric
Click here for a rubric to help you score this project (69.0K)