Recycling has seen some changes and challenges in the past year.  Learn how to recycle right to maximize sustainability efforts, reduce contamination, and ensure that what goes in the recycling bin belongs there.

~45 minutes

RECYCLING DO’S VIDEO
RECYCLING DON’TS VIDEO
RECYCLING TIPS VIDEO

Interested in organic recycling?  Learn the basics of backyard composting: what goes in the bin, various compost methods, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

~45 minutes

Learn about the possible hazards of using chemical cleaners in the home.  It offers safe alternatives to common household cleaners with cleaning recipes made from inexpensive ingredients such as baking soda and lemon juice.  The presentation includes demonstrations and the opportunity to make home-friendly products, as well as several take home guides and information sheets. 

~45 minutes

Newspaper Pots: turn old newspaper into biodegradable plant holders!

Paper Making: learn how paper is recycled and make your own!

Bird Feeder: use old plastic bottles to create a DIY project!

Personal Fishing Line Recycling Bin: use an old tennis tube to make a portable carrier for removing fishing line and litter!

Young learners will hear about the basics of recycling as recyclables come to life (milk jug, tin can, aluminum beverage can, etc.).  Pairs nicely with the Litter Playground presentation. 

Ohio Learning Standard K.PS.1 – Objects and materials can be sorted and described by their properties.

~ 15 minutes

HAPPY RECYCLABLES

Participants learn how litter harms our Earth and the importance of recycling.  They are given the opportunity to help clean up the mess on our large litter playground scene while learning how to sort recyclables and compostables from the trash. They also will learn what common recyclables are turned into when they are recycled. 

Ohio Learning Standard K.PS.1 – Objects and materials can be sorted and described by their properties.

~ 30 minutes

LITTER PLAYGROUND

Participants are read the book “Michael Recycle” and discuss the benefits of recycling and waste reduction.  After the book reading and discussion, the presentation concludes with a craft project to supplement the book.  Students use old newspapers to make hats and capes similar to the ones that Michael wears in the book.

~ 45 minutes

Participants will color stick hand puppets from the book The Wartville Wizard and then read the book in an interactive story telling session.  

~45 minutes

Participants will review the three “chasing arrows” that comprise the recycling symbol with an interactive presentation.  “This Becomes That” presentation follows the discussion as students learn what products are made from various recyclables.  A cute story on recycling at home is read as students fill out a recycling worksheet.

Ohio Learning Standard 1.PS.1 – Properties of objects and materials can change.

~ 45 minutes

Learn about landfill operations and alternative means of waste disposal (composting and recycling).  Students play a waste stream game in which various items are selected and they determine the proper disposal method.  Education is provided on how to reduce everyday waste so it doesn’t end up in the landfill.

Ohio Learning Standard 2.LS.1 – Living things cause changes on Earth.

~ 45 minutes

Students learn about “green washing” and how some eco-friendly products are deceptive to the consumer.  The presentation is followed with an investigative game in which students pair up with a partner to investigate 12 items and answer questions on packaging.  A brief discussion on resources is followed by a secret decoder word puzzle.

 Ohio Learning Standard 3.ESS.3 – Some of Earth’s resources are limited.

~ 45 minutes

This presentation reviews natural resources: renewable vs. non-renewable.  They will learn how recycling helps conserve natural resources and play the game “Show ‘Em Sherlock” to understand properties of various recyclables.

Ohio Learning Standard 4.LS.1 – Changes in an organism’s environment are sometimes beneficial to its survival and sometimes harmful.

~ 45 minutes

Students are divided into teams for a Recycling Review Game.  The presentation concludes with a virtual tour of a Materials Recovery Facility.

Ohio Learning Standard – 5.LS – Ecosystem changes, how humans improve the health of ecosystems.

~ 45 minutes

This interactive activity gets kids racing for recycling!  Groups are divided into two and must sort through items and place them in the proper bin (landfill, recycling, other disposal).  Kids will learn what to do with common household items through a fun-filled relay!  

~45 minutes

Students will learn about compost and its ecological benefits.  Various soil samples are examined and analyzed.  A discussion on renewable vs. non-renewable resources underscores the importance of protecting local soil systems.

Ohio Learning Standards: 6.ESS.4 – Soil is unconsolidated material that contains nutrient matter and weathered rock and 6.ESS.5 – Rocks, minerals, and soils have common and practical uses.

~ 45 minutes

Students will participate in the “Fred the Fish” activity and discuss the impact of pollution (point source and non-point source) and litter on watershed systems.  

Ohio Learning Standard 7.LS.2 – In any particular biome, the number, growth, and survival of organisms and populations depend on biotic and abiotic factors.

~ 45 minutes

Participants will learn how trash is managed with an emphasis on sanitary landfills.  The construction process and technology behind landfills is shown as the participants build their own landfill model out of food items.  This landfill can then be eaten at the end of the presentation! 

~ 45 minutes

Students learn about modern disposal of solid and hazardous waste. They will build a simulated landfill and predict decomposition rates.  They will learn about unsustainable practices involved in mining and resource extraction to create common products. The benefits and challenges of recycling will also be discussed.  Students will complete a consumption diary to track their daily impact on the planet and resources used.

Ohio Learning Standards – ENV.ER.4: Soil and Land, B.DI.3: Anthropocene effects, and ENV.ER.1: Energy Resources.

~ 45 minutes