Subject(s): Science
Grade level(s): 4th-6th
Author(s): James Warf, Megan Daurer, Cassie Trent
Overview
Procedure
This lesson plan was designed for grades 4-6. It explains the
importance of recycling through a video and physical activities.
Following the video, students will be able to test their knowledge by
completing a recycling activity.
 Set up the activity outside
o Spread trash and recyclables
o Set up the recycling bins
o Put Gatorade in the cooler
 The students will be taken to a lab where a recycling song will
be playing as they enter. Immediately after they are settled,
they will be shown a recycling video using a smart
board/projector.
 Following the conclusion of the video, review some of the key
concepts from the video
 Go over what you should recycle and what you
shouldn’t
 Explain the rules of the activity
 The students will be split into 2 groups/teams
 The activity will be set up like a relay race
 Each group/team will be in a single file line, on the




Materials


Objectives










opposite side of the students (about 40 yards) the
recycle bins will be set up.
 In between the recycling bins and the students
trash/recyclables will be spread out randomly
 The first student in each line will start on the whistle
 Each student will race to pick up 1 item and place in
the recycle bin. If the students puts trash in the recycle
bin they MUST return the piece of trash and pick up a
recyclable item
 The first team to correctly pick up all of the recyclables
wins!
 Following the race each student from each
group/team will receive Gatorade
 Each student will receive either a plastic cup or a
Styrofoam cup and will have to decide if it is trash or
recyclable. (Part of the assessment)
Take the students outside where the activity will be
preformed and give a quick demonstration
Split the students into 2 groups
Start and finish the activity
Bring the students together as a group and begin the
assessment!
Recycling Song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_Df1Zp87F8
Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhkJ6BBy2mE
2 recycling bins
Recycling objects (newspaper, milk carton, trash, etc.)
Laptop
Gatorade in cooler for a reward after the relay race
Styrofoam cups
Plastic cups
Whistle
During the relay race students will get physical activity while
learning about recycling in an effective manner
Given an item of waste the students will be able to identify
the difference between recyclables and trash with 100%
accuracy
After viewing the video the students will learn the importance
of recycling and will be able to incorporate it into their
everyday life
Assessment
Standards
Following the activity, the students will have placed the items in the
correct bins. They also will be able to decide which bin (trash or
recycling) to put their cups in from their Gatorade.



References
SCI.4.2 2010 - Earth Science: Observe, investigate and give
examples of ways that the shape of land changes over
time.(4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3) Describe how the supply of natural
resources is limited and investigate ways that humans
protect and harm the environment. (4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6)
PE.4.1 2008 - Motor Skills and Movement Patterns:
Students demonstrate competency in motor skills and
movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical
activities.
PE.4.6 2008 - Value of Physical Activity: Students value
physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, selfexpression, and/or social interaction.
Picture:
http://www.mmm.edu/current/recycling/recycling.html
Picture:
http://www.riversideca.gov/publicworks/trash/residentialrecycling.asp
Standards:
http://www.doe.in.gov/achievement/standards