What a Waste!

This unit is about recycling. It is written for students in 4^th and/or 5^th grade and addresses standards in science, math, social studies and literacy. The unit would take approximately 3-4 weeks to teach if the content is being covered 2-3 times per week. Most lessons would take 20-30 minutes to teach.

Content covered in this unit includes items found in the garbage, what things can be recycled, and the importance of recycling. Students will learn what items are biodegradable and what items are not. Students will conduct experiments to observe decomposers, to determine how long it takes water to evaporate, and to replicate a water treatment plant. Through this unit of study, students will become more aware of waste and become conscious of ways to reduce waste and the negative impact it has on our communities.