Realistic Ways to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Introduction:
Michigan has a mounting problem. The amount of waste disposed
continues to grow each year. As a team, you will first explore how big
an issue this problem is. Then, in expert groups, you will research methods
of reducing, reusing, or recycling as well as the pros and cons to these methods.
You will also survey which methods of reducing, reusing, and recycling your
family uses and their opinions on which methods they think are easiest.
Task:
After discussing the results of your research and survey,
your team will create a Top 10 list of realistic and effective methods
for families to reduce, reuse and recycle. Finally, your team will create
an ad campaign to inform others of Michigan’s growing problem and convince
them to follow your suggested methods to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- Return to top -
Process:
Step 1 -
Get into pairs and start a Rally-Robin discussing
waste products (trash) produced at your home or in the school.
Step 2 - Complete the teacher-created Inspiration
diagram answering the question “What happens to all that trash?”
If you have a hard time completing the diagram, read the book Trash
by Charolette Wilcox or About Garbage and Stuff by Ann Zane Shanks.
Step 3 - You will get into teams
of six. First you will examine the data
table that displays information about waste that Michigan has produced
over the last five years.
Step 4 - Draw a card to determine which “expert”
role (reduce, reuse, or recycle) you will
assume. You will join other experts with that same role to research
and start the graphic organizers stating possible methods,
pros and cons. Discuss with your “expert” team what you already
know about your topic and record this on the graphic organizer. After writing
what you already know about your topic, visit the following website to attain
further information.
Step 5 - Once all your team members have completed
their research and their graphic organizers, it is time to share your information
with your team. One at a time, each person in your team should share
what he/she learned from the viewpoint of his/her role. All other members
need to save any questions or comments until the person sharing is completely
finished.
Step 6 - After hearing all methods to reduce, reuse,
and recycle, discuss the pros and cons of each and create a summary list to
share with the class. The team should choose a recorder and create a list
of at least 20 methods.
Step 7 - Using Microsoft Word, create a table of these
methods and take this home tonight to survey your parents. Below is
an example of how to set up the table.
Methods
|
Currently Doing
|
Believe it could be done
fairly easily
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buy products with less packaging
|
|
|
|
Take only the food I will eat at school
|
|
|
|
...
|
|
|
Step 8 - Compile your survey results into a single
set of data. Use this data to create a spreadsheet and graph
displaying the results from your team.
Step 9 - As a team, create a Top 10 list of methods
to reduce, reuse and recycle using the results of your expert research and
survey. When making your decision be sure to discuss which methods are realistic
for families to embrace.
Step 10 - Finally, your team will create an ad campaign
(posters made with Word, presentation made with HyperStudio, PowerPoint,
or iMovie) to inform others of Michigan’s growing problem and convince
them to follow your Top 10 suggested methods to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Use the graphic organizer to help with summarizing
the reasons we have a problem with waste generated. You may refer to
the presentation rubric when completing your presentation.
- Return to top -
Evaluation:
Fill in the self-evaluation
rubric and review the presentation rubric, which your teacher
will complete.
- Return to top -
Conclusion:
Congratulations you now have a better understanding of a
growing problem in Michigan. You now may be able to answer this question:
Reduce:
