“Ready, Set, Recycle”
For further information contact…
R. Bruce Wagner Elementary
5500 Yates Road
Lakeland, FL 33811 • Route D
(863) 701-1450
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Kimberlee Mayes
Rachael Tedder
Monica LePere
2010 - 2011 Idea Catalog of Excellence
n PROGR AM OVERVIEW
The purpose of this program is to
create lifelong, environmentally aware
learners through the implementation of a
school-wide recycling program. School
recycling programs have increasingly
been trimmed down or eliminated due
to the challenges of paying for them.
School recycling programs may receive
some revenue for their recyclables,
however these amounts are small and
don’t do much to offset high collection
and transportation costs. While school
recycling programs are often costly,
they do provide important environmental
education benefits. Recycling is a handson tool for teaching students about the
environment and personal responsibility.
The environmental education students
receive at school often continues into
their homes.
Our recycling program is titled
“Ready, Set, Recycle.” The program
is ongoing, lasting throughout the year.
Each fifth grade classroom selects two
students to be on the “Greenies” team.
Students who are interested in being a
“Greenie” write a short essay on why
recycling is important and why they
should be chosen as a “Greenie.” As a
“Greenie,” students receive a “Greenies”
t-shirt which they wear on Mondays,
when they collect the recyclables from
around the school.
Each classroom is issued one blue
recycling bin and each pod (of four
classrooms) is issued one yellow, county
recycling bin. Each fifth grade classroom
also has a large, wheeled garbage can so
that the “Greenies” can easily transport
the recycling. Teachers are asked to set
out their recycling bins every Monday,
before noon. They set them outside
their door and the “Greenies” take the
wheeled garbage cans and collect
each classroom’s recycling. (Each
team of “Greenies” are assigned to a
building.... two “Greenies” per building.)
After collecting the recycling, they take
their total collection, sort and dump it in
the large recycling bins which are then
set out to be collected by the recycling
company, every Tuesday morning.
Our program works very well and
we’re very proud of it. When we began
last year, we began only collecting paper.
We’ve now added aluminum and plastic
and are looking forward to beginning a
composting program next year.
n OVER ALL VALUE
We are creating a “green” school
and our school family is excited!
Implementing a recycling program at
our school has been very successful.
Not only are students learning about
recycling and conservation efforts, but
our faculty is becoming knowledgeable
as well. Students and teachers alike are
taking their newfound knowledge and
carrying it home with them.
“Ready, Set, Recycle” is easy
to implement and can (and should)
include all children in all grade levels.
Depending on the time available,
teachers can extend the learning to
include math lessons in measurement
and data analysis or writing lessons in
persuasive writing.
n LESSON PLAN TITLES
• Why Recycle?
• Make Your Own Paper
• Make Your Voice Heard
“Ready, Set, Recycle”
n MATERIALS
• Anticipation Guide
• Recycling Fast Facts
• Yardstick
• Graph paper
• Wooden frame
• Wire screening
• Blender
• Large bowl
• Sponge
• Paper (newsprint, construction
paper, or notebook paper)
• Chart paper
• Writing paper
• Pencils
• Yellow county recycling bins
• Blue recycling bins (or other
plastic garbage cans)
• Large garbage cans on wheels
n ABOUT THE DEVELOPERS
Kim Mayes has a Bachelor of
Science in Music Management from
Florida Southern College and a Masters
of Arts in Educational Leadership from
Nova Southeastern University. She has
taught for nine years and has taught
second, third and fifth grades.
Currently, she is teaching fifth grade
at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary, but is
looking forward to moving into the Title
1 Program Facilitator position. She was
recently selected as R. Bruce Wagner’s
Teacher of the Year.
Rachael Tedder has a Bachelor of
Science in Elementary Education from
Southeastern University and a Masters
of Arts in Educational Leadership from
Nova Southeastern University. She
has taught for five years in third and
fifth grade.
Currently, she is teaching fifth grade
at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary. She
is looking forward to teaching one of
the fifth grade inclusion classes next
school year.
Monica LePere is Principal’s Secretary at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary.
She has been with R. Bruce Wagner
since the school opened 8 years ago.
Prior to Wagner she was a secretary at
Lincoln Avenue Academy and Socrum
Elementary. She just completed her 15
years with the Polk County School district. She has a Business Management
degree from Polk Community College
(now Polk State College).
HHH
“Ready, Set Recycle”
Mayes, Tedder, LePere
Lesson Plan No 1: “Why Recycle?”
n SUBJECTS COVERED
n DIRECTIONS
Math
1. Engage students in activity, using
the Anticipation Guide.
2. Share “Recycling Fast Facts.”
Emphasize the fact that every ton
of paper recycled saves more than
3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.
n GR ADES
Three - Five
n OBJECTIVES
•
n EVALUATION/
Students will understand how
to compute volume and display
information as a line graph.
n SUNSHINE STATE
STANDARDS
MA.3.S.7.1 Construct and analyze
frequency tables, bar graphs,
pictographs, and line plots from
data, including data collected
through observations, surveys, and
experiments.
MA.5.A.4.2 Construct and describe
a graph showing continuous data ,
such as a graph of a quantity that
changes over time.
MA.5.G.3.2 Describe, define, and
determine surface area and volume
of prisms by using appropriate units
and selecting strategies and tools.
3. Introduce the formula for volume as:
length x width x height. Ask students
to choose a classroom object they
think is close in size to 3.3 cubic
yards, such as a desk or chair.
Measure the object and calculate its
volume to check students’ estimates.
Is 3.3 cubic yards bigger or smaller
than what students thought? What
does this fact say about recycling?
ASSESSMENT
Have students summarize their
learning by writing two sentences
comparing the data learned from the
graph. Between 2006 and 2008, did
the amount of paper recovered increase
or decrease? What about landfill space
taken up by paper?
n ADDL INFORMATION
Lesson plans adapted from:
www.scholastic.com
4. Share the following figures*:
Year
2006
Paper
Paper in
Recovered Landfills
(millions (millions
of tons)
of tons)
53.3
36.7
2007
54.3
32.7
2008
51.8
28.7
*Statistics from paperrecycles.org
5. Have students work with their
collaborative partner to create a line
graph displaying this information.
On the vertical axis, track millions of
tons. On the horizontal axis, track
years.
n MATERIALS
• Anticipation Guide
• Recycling Fast Facts
• Yardstick
• Graph paper
2010 - 2011 Idea Catalog of Excellence
HHH
“Ready, Set Recycle”
Mayes, Tedder, LePere
Lesson Plan No 2: “Make Your Own Paper
n SUBJECTS COVERED
n DIRECTIONS
Science
1. Before you begin, staple the wire
screen to the frame, making a tool
called a deckle. Tear paper into
pieces and soak the pieces in hot
water for 30 minutes.
n GR ADES
Three - Five
n OBJECTIVES
•
Students will understand the basics
of the paper-making process by
using recovered (or used) paper to
make a new piece of paper.
n SUNSHINE STATE
STANDARDS
SC.4.L.17.4
Recognize ways plants
and animals, including humans, can
impact the environment.
2. Introduce the activity by explaining
to students that they will be making
new paper from used paper to
see how recycling works. Show
students the video “Making Paper”
at paperrecycles.org to give a realworld overview of the recycling
process.
n EVALUATION/
ASSESSMENT
Have students summarize their
learning by comparing the new paper
to the used paper. How are the two
different? Did the activity change how
the students feel about recycling? Why
or why not?
n ADDL INFORMATION
Lesson plans adapted from:
www.scholastic.com
3. Fill a blender halfway with warm
water, then add a handful of the
soaked paper. Blend until the pulp
has a soupy consistency. Pour the
mixture into a bowl and then fill
the bowl with warm water, mixing
until the ingredients are evenly
dispersed.
4. Slide the deckle into the bowl.
Holding the deckle underwater,
move it back and forth to get an even
layer of pulp on the screen.
n MATERIALS
• wooden frame
• wire screening
• blender
• large bowl
• sponge
• paper (newsprint, construction
paper, or notebook paper)
5. Lift the deckle out of the mixture,
keeping it flat. Allow it to drip until
most of the water has drained
off. Press the pulp against the
deckle screen gently to squeeze out
moisture. Use the sponge to absorb
excess water from the bottom of the
screen.
6. After covering a flat surface with
newspaper, turn the deckle paperside down. Gently tap the screen to
help release the paper. Let it dry for
several hours or overnight. Gently
peel off the paper when it is dry.
2010 - 2011 Idea Catalog of Excellence
HHH
“Ready, Set Recycle”
Mayes, Tedder, LePere
Lesson Plan No 3: “Make Your Voice Heard”
n SUBJECTS COVERED
n DIRECTIONS
Language Arts
1. Have students review Anticipation
Guide to see if they have changed
any of their answers.
n GR ADES
2. Using chart paper, create a Circle
Map showing what students have
learned about paper recycling.
Three - Five
n OBJECTIVES
•
Students will use recycling facts to
understand the fundamentals of a
persuasive essay.
n SUNSHINE STATE
STANDARDS
LA.5.4.3.1
LA.4.4.3.1
The student will write
persuasive text (e.g., essay, written
communication) that establishand
develop a controlling idea and
supporting arguments for the validity
of the proposed idea with detailed
evidence.
LA.5.4.3.2
LA.4.4.3.2 The student will include
persuasive techniques (e.g., word
choice, repetition, emotional appeal,
hyperbole).
3. Divide the class into pairs. Partner
A should pretend that he needs
to convince Partner B to begin
recycling. Students should think
about what they need to say to
effectively persuade their peers?
Encourage students to use points
listed on the chart paper as a starting
place for their conversations. Give
students five minutes to practice,
and then switch roles.
n EVALUATION/
ASSESSMENT
Students will create a poster
persuading the school to star t
participating in the recycling program.
These posters will be hung around the
school to advertise our “going green”
efforts.
n ADDL INFORMATION
Lesson plans adapted from:
www.scholastic.com
4. Based on their discussions, have
students write a short composition
persuading someone who’s never
recycled before to start. Discuss
elements of effective persuasive
writing, e.g., a strong argument,
supporting details, and evidence.
5. Have students share their writing
with the class.
n MATERIALS
• chart paper
• writing paper
• pencils
2010 - 2011 Idea Catalog of Excellence
HHH
“Ready, Set Recycle”
Mayes, Tedder, LePere
Additional Information
Recycling Anticipation Guide
2010 - 2011 Idea Catalog of Excellence
“Ready, Set Recycle”
Mayes, Tedder, LePere
Additional Information
Recycling Fast Facts
•
Every ton of paper recycled saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space. That is
about the same size as a small refrigerator.
•
In 2008, a record high of 57.4 percent of the paper used in the U.S. was recovered for
recycling. That’s an average of 340 pounds for every man, woman, and child in the country.
Also weighing in at around 340 pounds: an average adult male black bear.
•
In 2007, 83 percent (12.8 million) of Floridians had access to curbside or drop-off paper
recycling programs.
•
Paper recycling is not a new idea; in the 19th century, people used old cloths and rags to
make new paper.
•
Many different grades of paper can be recycled into new products. Notebook paper, for
example, can become printing or writing paper, newspaper, or packaging. Newspaper is
usually made into new newsprint, egg cartons, or paperboard. Cardboard is recycled into
new cardboard or paperboard packaging.
•
Even with an enrollment increase at our school this year over last
year, we did not have to increase the solid waste service to the
school. We were able to hold steady at 30 cubic yards per
week. Usually when there is an enrollment increase, there is
also an increase in the solid waste service requests which
means more money taken out of the school.
2010 - 2011 Idea Catalog of Excellence
“Ready, Set Recycle”
Mayes, Tedder, LePere
Lesson Plans Materials Budget
Materials Budget
Supplier
Item DescriptionCost
Quantity
Total Cost
Home Depot
Blue recycling trash cans
$5.49 67
$367.83
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Large rolling trash cans
$17.99 7
$125.93
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Team Hammer
Greenies T-shirts
$7.50 25
$187.50
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lakeshore Learning
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Activity Kit $59.95 1
$59.95 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Subtotal
$741.21
_______________________________________________
Kim Mayes
Teacher__________________________________________
R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School:__________________________________________
Tax if applicable
51.88
_______________________________________________
Shipping if applicable
8.99
_______________________________________________
TOTAL
BUDGET
AMOUNT
2010 - 2011 Idea Catalog of Excellence
$802.08
“Ready, Set Recycle”
Mayes, Tedder, LePere
Rubric
Name Grade Ready, Set, Recycle Home Survey
Directions: Read each recycling category. Read each rating (All the Time, Some of the Time, Not Yet).
Color in the box for the rating that describes your family in each category.
Category
All the Time
Some of the Time
Not Yet
Recycle
newspaper and
magazines
We recycle all our
newspaper and
magazines, every week.
We recycle most of
our newspapers and
magazines. Sometimes
we forget.
We don’t recycle
our newspapers and
magazines.
Recycle
cardboard
We recycle all our
cardboard (like pizza
boxes), every week.
We recycle most of our
cardboard (like pizza
boxes). Sometimes we
forget.
We don’t recycle our
cardboard (like pizza
boxes).
Recycle plastic
We recycle all our
plastic (like water
bottles), every week.
We recycle most of our
plastic (like water bottles).
Sometimes we forget.
We don’t recycle our
plastic (like water
bottles).
Recycle glass
We recycle all our glass
(like spaghetti jars),
every week.
We recycle most of our
glass (like spaghetti jars).
Sometimes we forget.
We don’t recycle our
glass (like spaghetti
jars).
Recycle aluminum
We recycle all our
aluminum (like the
cans from veggies, and
aluminum foil), every
week.
We recycle most our
aluminum (like cans from
veggies, and aluminum
foil).
Sometimes we forget.
We don’t recycle our
aluminum (like the
cans from veggies, and
aluminum foil).
2010 - 2011 Idea Catalog of Excellence