Teachers’ notes – How can we make things from junk?
Synopsis
This activity encourages learners to think how different materials can be reused. They are
encouraged to identify objects which might be thought of as junk and create ways that these
objects and materials might be reused. Using narrative and role-play they are encouraged to
consider the value of re-using junk materials.
Curriculum links
English: Oracy: 1
Art and Design: 3 Range: Investigating 2
Mathematics
Design & Technology: 6
Science: The Sustainable Earth: 6
Communication: 1
Reflecting: 2
Skills framework links
Developing thinking:
Plan
Asking questions; Activating prior skills, knowledge and understanding
Develop
Entrepreneurial thinking; Considering evidence, information and ideas;
Forming opinions and making decisions
Reflect
Linking and lateral thinking
Developing communication:
Oracy
Presenting information and ideas
Developing number:
Use mathematical information
Measuring
Unit 4.6 teachers’ notes – How can we make things from junk?
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Activities
Tab 1
Learning opportunity:
Learners think of some objects and materials might be reused by
different people.
Using the tab:
This tab provides learners with a video clip of a child washing
and drying his hands before sitting down to eat a meal. Learners
are asked to share and discuss their ideas about what happens
in the video and why they think we wash our hands before eating.
Rollovers prompt learners to consider what they use to wash
their hands and why they think they use these things.
Tab 2
Learning opportunity:
Learners collect together things they think of as junk.
Using the tab:
In this tab learners collect together things they think are junk and
discuss together whether or not the objects and materials really
are junk. During their discussions they think of different ways the
objects might usefully be reused.
Tab 3
Learning opportunity:
Learners think of ways to reuse junk.
Using the tab:
Learners think of ‘junk’ materials they could use to make each of
the items suggested in the random generator. They can use their
imagination and creativity to help think of ideas.
Tab 4
Learning opportunity:
Learners design and make an item from junk materials.
Using the tab:
In this tab, learners are invited to design and make one of the
items listed in the random generator. They are asked to show
which parts of their new item uses junk materials.
Tab 5
Learning opportunity:
Learners discuss why we should try to reuse junk materials.
Using the tab:
In this tab learners are asked to think of their own ideas and then
to discuss why they should try to reuse objects and materials that
they or other people might think of as junk. They could invite an
expert, such as someone from the recycling centre, into school
and think of questions to ask.
Unit 4.6 teachers’ notes – How can we make things from junk?
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Tab 6
Learning opportunity:
Learners weigh up the ‘good’ and ‘not-so-good’ things about reusing junk materials.
Using the tab:
Learners use the information they have gathered to think of
reasons for reusing junk materials. They might use the model
scale to sort their reasons into two groups. The scale might also
be used to help them decide if they agree or not with some of the
reasons suggested by other children.
Tab 7
Learning opportunity:
Learners try to think about the views other people might hold In
relation to reusing junk materials.
Using the tab:
Learners are invited to think about and role-play some of the
different perspectives other people might hold in relation to
reusing junk materials. Recognising people hold views and
perspectives that differ from one’s own view might be the first
step for some children. Some children may be able to present
different perspectives and with support, may attempt to justify or
explain some of the different points of view.
Tab 8
Learning opportunity:
Learners create a play to explain why they think they should
reuse junk materials.
Using the tab:
Learners are invited to create a story or role-play to help explain
why they should reuse junk materials. The story could use some
of the information they have gathered in the course of their
activities. Rollover questions aim to help them decide their
success criteria for a good play as a first step. They could use
these to reflect on their play during its production.
Unit 4.6 teachers’ notes – How can we make things from junk?
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