Objective
By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the importance of recycling and be able to identify common items that can be recycled.
Materials and Prep
- Empty cardboard boxes
- Empty plastic bottles
- Empty aluminum cans
- Empty glass jars
- Colorful markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
- Recycling bin
Before the lesson, make sure to gather the materials listed above. Familiarize yourself with the concept of recycling and its importance.
Activities
- Create a Recycling Bin: Help the student decorate an empty cardboard box to make a recycling bin. Use markers or crayons to draw pictures of recyclable items on the box.
- Sort and Match: Collect different recyclable items such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass jars. Have the student sort them into separate piles based on their material. Then, help them match each item with the corresponding picture on the recycling bin.
- Recycling Art: Encourage the student to use their creativity to make art using recyclable materials. Provide scissors, tape or glue, and any other craft supplies they may need. They can make a robot, a spaceship, or anything else they can imagine!
- Recycling Hunt: Take a walk around the house or yard with the student and search for items that can be recycled. Have them point out and collect the items they find, and then let them put them in the recycling bin.
Talking Points
- "Recycling is important because it helps protect our planet. When we recycle, we can reuse things instead of throwing them away."
- "We can recycle many things like plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass jars. These things can be made into new things instead of being thrown in the trash."
- "When we recycle, we are helping to save energy and reduce pollution. It's like giving a second life to things we no longer need."
- "Remember, always ask an adult before putting something in the recycling bin. Not everything can be recycled, but it's important to learn what can be!"