Classroom Tools
Learning Templates: Adaptable activities for K-12 learners
Waste Reduction
CSWD Lesson Plan — Recycling Relay
Trash Sort Guide for Schools
Less Is More_ Back to Schoool
MRF Video Links
Compost
Worm bins are an excellent way to create a small-scale model of the rot cycle. CSWD has a limited supply of worm bins, worms and additional materials to help teachers incorporate compost into their curriculum. Please call to inquire about availability.
CSWD Worm Composting Guide
CSWD Lesson Plan — Worms in Your Classroom
CSWD Worm Bin MOU
Compost Critters Supplemental Activities
Visuals
Waste Stations: Trash, Recycling, Compost
The Rot Cycle
FBIs The Decomposing Agents
Ten-Year-Old Carrots (with explanation)
Ten-Year-Old Carrots (picture only)
Where Your Garbage Goes Flow Chart
Recommended Curriculum Resources
Recommended standards-based, hands-on lessons and activities by grade designed to bring resource recovery to life and engage students in systems thinking.
K-8
Quest For Less, EPA, 2005
This Guide is available as an entire document or in sections in PDF format or on CD-ROM. It’s designed to encourage students to be critical thinkers and draw connections between the use of natural resources, the use of products, and the cause and effect relationship tied to their choices to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
K-12
Trash Goes To School, Cornell Waste Management Institute, 1991
Lessons are available in PDF format and give well-rounded examples of how to effectively integrate waste issues into many different subject areas
Do the Rot Thing
Creative exploratory soil activities designed for teachers interested in on-site compost and worm bins.
Pathways to a Sustainable Future, Maine Waste Management Association, 1994
This guide focuses on experiential education and problem solving. It includes helpful flow charts that provide a nice visual for understanding local waste management strategies.
9-12
Buy, Use, Toss? A Closer Look at the Things We Buy, Facing the Future, 2010
This series of ten fully planned interdisciplinary lessons will lead your students through a two-week exploration of the system of producing and consuming goods that is called the materials economy. A great match with “The Story of Stuff” video.
Exploring Environmental Issues: Municipal Solid Waste, Project Learning Tree, 2002
An outstanding resource for secondary educators, this comprehensive student activity guide provides many enrichment suggestions, students’ pages, assessment tools, and a complete Spanish translation.
Film and Music
There are many videos and songs related to the importance of waste reduction. Here are some teacher favorites:
K-5
Dirt Made My Lunch – 3 minutes
This is a classic, catchy sing-a-long connecting compost and food/farming.
Jack Johnson: 3Rs – 3 minutes
Three is the magic number! Purchase the 3Rs song off the “Curious George” soundtrack, or download this free version from students of Sunset Beach Elementary School, HI.
6-adult
GOOD Transparency Food: Waste Not Want Not- 1.5 minutes
Whole Foods Market presents a clever animated presentation of statics about why it’s important not to waste food.
The Story of Stuff-20 minutes
A fast-paced introduction to consumerism and product life cycles. If shown in the classroom, teachers are advised to preview due to political content. You can also find “The Story of Bottled Water” and “The Story of Electronics” on-line.
Dirt the Movie- 80 minutes
Narrated by Jaime Lee Curtis, this lively and informative film puts a worldly spin on the importance of healthy soils (and compost). Contact the CSWD Community Outreach Coordinator at 802-872-8100 x234 to schedule a showing.
