Speakers and Resources

Talking about recycling in class? The Solid Waste District would love to provide a speaker to share recycling statistics for municipalities, examples of recyclables from home and school, and more. We can also help create recycling curriculum for any grade!

Aged Group Lesson Plans

Lesson Plan: Earth Science

Grade Level: Twelfth

Objective: I can use data collection and research to develop an individualized plan with the goal of plastic waste reduction.

Introduction: This lesson is designed to be built into a unit about items that are hazardous to the environment. It will span over the course of 2-3 days. You can preface the lesson with articles/activities about the hazards of plastic waste to the environment (for example: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/plastic-not-so-fantastic/).

Files: Earth Science Document

Lesson Plan: Chemistry Lesson Plan

Grade Level: Eleventh

Objective: Students will be able to apply information from resources to determine what makes a chemical in a household product dangerous and how it should be disposed of properly.

Introduction: This lesson invites students to gain a deeper understanding of the dangerous properties of certain household objects and develop a plan of action for disposing of the items.

Files: Chemistry Lesson Plan Document

Lesson Plan: Recycling at Home Web Quest

Grade Level: Seventh

Objective: Students will be able to apply information resources develop a well thought out,
persuasive advertisement for how recycling impacts the environment.

Includes homework: Yes

Lesson Plan: Recycling at Home Web Quest

Instructions: Download the Activity and Lesson Plan & Worksheet documents below. Print out and complete.

Files: Recycling at Home Web Quest Worksheet Recycling at Home Web Quest Map

Lesson Plan: Roscoe's Pop Can Dilemma

Grade Level: Sixth

Objective: Students will understand the benefits of recycling paper and aluminum. Students will also be able to use textual evidence to support an argument for mixed recycling and the benefits of recycling aluminum cans.

Includes homework: Yes

Lesson Plan: Roscoe’s Pop Can Dilemma

Instructions: Download the Activity and Lesson Plan & Worksheet documents below. Print out and complete.

Files: Roscoe's Pop Can Dilemma Word Document

Lesson Plan: Recycling, Deforestation, and the Ecosystem

Grade Level: Fourth and Fifth

Objective: Students will be able to apply information from text to an argument that supports the benefits of recycling paper.

Includes homework: Yes

Instructions: Download the Activity and Lesson Plan & Worksheet documents below. Print out and complete.

Files: 4th and 5th Grade Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan: Roscoe Sorts the Trash

Grade Level: Third

Objective: Students will be able to identify trash from recyclables and know how to sort them into the appropriate bins.

Includes homework: Yes

Instructions: Download the Activity and Lesson Plan & Worksheet documents below. Print out and complete.

Files: Roscoe the Raccoon & The Garbage Day Adventure, Roscoe the Raccoon Lesson Plan & Worksheet

Lesson Plan: Roscoe’s Unexpected Birthday Party!

Grade Level: First and Second

Objective: Students will be able to find useful information in a reading passage. They will then know what everyday items should be placed in the trash and what can be recycled.

Instructions: This lesson is targeted towards a 1st or 2nd Grade science class. It can be used to introduce the concept of recycling and what items can be recycled and what should be thrown in the trash. The lesson should take 2-3 days or more, depending on how in-depth the teacher uses the optional extension activities.

Files: Grades 1&2 Lesson Plan