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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

The roots of trash

http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=384

A lesson plan for grades 2 and 5 Science and Social Studies

Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science


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In this lesson, students identify the various natural resources used to produce common items and understand how people use science and technology to produce those items. Students are prompted think about what everyday products—such as bottles, cans, cartons, plastic, and food—are made of and how they are generally produced. They learn about natural resources, both renewable and nonrenewable, and work in teams to further research and report on how these resources and products are developed and used up before being discarded in the trash. After students briefly analyze the contents of a trash bag, they identify items in the classroom and try to determine the composition of these things. Students discuss how different items are made of natural resources. Then, the teacher introduces the concept of renewable and nonrenewable resources and engages students in a discussion of how certain items can be classified according to the three categories. Students also discuss how natural resources can be turned into different products. Working in small groups, students research several items to find facts and background information. Finally, students present their findings to the class and participate in a discussion about how science and technology are used to turn natural resources into other products. Science NetLinks provides student handouts, helpful teacher resources from the EPA, links to many web resources that students can use for their research, and detailed instructions for completing the lesson. This lesson also contains links to similar lessons from Science NetLinks and the website, “Rotten Truth about Garbage,” from the Association of Science-Technology Centers Incorporated.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 2

  • Goal 3: The learner will observe and conduct investigations to build an understanding of changes in properties.
    • Objective 3.04: Show that solids, liquids and gases can be characterized by their properties.
    • Objective 3.05: Investigate and observe how mixtures can be made by combining solids, liquids or gases and how they can be separated again.
    • Objective 3.06: Observe that a new material is made by combining two or more materials with properties different from the original material.

Grade 4

  • Goal 2: The learner will conduct investigations and use appropriate technology to build an understanding of the composition and uses of rocks and minerals.

Social Studies (2003)

Grade 2

  • Goal 6: The learner will analyze how people depend on the physical environment and use natural resources to meet basic needs.
    • Objective 6.01: Identify natural resources and cite ways people conserve and replenish natural resources.