This lesson plan is an introduction to the entire unit of work ‘the science of recycling’. It provides foundational knowledge for students.
For students to be able to distinguish recyclable items by categorising them into non-recyclable and recyclable and understand the basis of recycling.
Knowledge and Understanding – Earth and Space

Identifies ways that people use science in their daily lives to care for the environment and Earth’s resources ST1-
9NE

Describes a range of manufactured products in the local environment and how their different purposes influence their design ST1-16ME

Responding to and posing questions
(ACSIS024, ACSIS037)

Discuss the purpose and usefulness of familiar applications of science and technology products used in everyday life, such as the use of rechargeable batteries and recycled materials [SE]

Explore ways in which products may be designed to conserve resources, such as using recyclable materials and reusable containers [SE]
Recyclable
8 plastic bins/tubs
(Four labeled recycling,
Four labeled non-recyclable)
Glass bottles
Aluminum cans
Newspaper
Envelops without a window envelops with window egg cartons cardboard magazines juice cartons milk bottles paint/aerosol cans polystyrene foam
Non-recyclable bubble wrap plastic bags nappies batteries clothes

What is recycling?
Recycling is a series of processes, beginning with collection of waste, then sorted and processed into raw materials then remanufactured into new products. Often the recycled item does not return to its original state. Recycling can also be referred to as composting.
Why do we recycle?
Recycling benefits the economy and the environment. It reduces materials from entering landfills. Annually, over 100 million tons of trash enters landfills worldwide. Using recycled raw materials prevents the production of pollution and decreases greenhouse gases, which normally is produced by manufacturing new products using virgin materials.
Recycling creates jobs for people around world. Jobs include dispatchers, truck drivers, sales representatives, engineers, chemists and sorters.
REFERENCES
Planet Ark. (NA). Primary, recycle right, recycling relay. Planet Ark. Retrieved from http://recyclingweek.planetark.org/documents/doc-153-primary-relay-12.pdf
The Quest for Less. (NA). Recycling, unit 2 chapter 22, pp.99-137. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/osw/education/quest/pdfs/sections/u2_chap2.pdf
Grabianonwski, E. (2013). How recycling works. HowStuffWorks Inc. Retrieved from http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/recycling.htm

Duration 1 hour
The lesson will begin with questions. Ask students:
What is recycling?
With a show of hands, at home who recycles?
What items do you recycle?
Refer to KSK on previous page.
(ACSIS024, ACSIS037)
Individually on an iPad (if not laptops, or as a whole class using the IWB) log onto
RecyclingNearYou.com.au. Enter their postcode and proceed to their local council page. Then click on the link ‘Kerbside recycling collection’ (top left). A list of items will appear, to demonstrate what is acceptable and what is not recyclable.
Ask: why do you think we recycle? What would happen if some items if non-recyclable items were placed into the recycling? Discuss how different items can be recycled into new products (ST1-16ME). (ST1-9NE) (SE).
Students will play ‘recycling relay’. At the end the students will become “Recycling
Rangers”. Line up four “rubbish bins” and four “recycling bins”. Each group will be given a bucket of the resources listed above to sort them accordingly. One student from each group can be running at a time, after placing the item in the correct bin, the student needs to tag the next member. Once completed, refer to the interactive white board page for answers. Drag and drop the items in the bins to see which item goes into which bin.
To extend ask the students to create something new out of a recyclable material in the resource list e.g. book holder.
To simplify have students trace and draw the recyclable products to make a classroom display.