- Be Clean, Be Green
In Be Clean, Be Green, students will work in groups to obtain information about the properties and aspect that make up an item of trash and then use that information to create a "Trash Story" to communicate how to properly dispose of items.
Next Generation Science Standards
5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
Illinois Social Studies Standards
SS.CV.4.5. Explain how policies are developed to address public problems.
Common Core ELA
RI.5.9.: Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.
Lesson Plan
Trash Log
Example Trash Log
Exit Slip
Vocabulary Cards
Engagement Piece Photo
Community Engagement Article
- Neighborhood Litter Map
This lesson is currently being evaluated by the National Science Teacher's Association. Come back soon for the final product.
Next Generation Science Standards
5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.
Illinois Social Studies Standards
SS.G.1.1: Construct and interpret maps and other representations to navigate to a familiar place.
SS.CV.4.5. Explain how policies are developed to address public problems.
Fine Arts
Anchor 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Anchor 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Lesson Plan
Example Neighborhood Litter Map
Neighborhood Litter Map Rubric
Example Solution
Solutions Rubric
Vocabulary Cards
- Reduce Landfill Waste
- Stop the Drop
In Stop the Drop, students will observe the effects of litter on their own school campus. Students will engage in data collection to inform the creation of simple solutions. An example of a southern Illinois native creating a solution to a local problem is also used as an example for students to further their understanding of civic engagement.
Next Generation Science Standards
5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Illinois Social Studies Standards
SS.CV.4.5. Explain how policies are developed to address public problems.
Lesson Plan
Engagement Piece Video
Litter Tally Sheet
Example Litter Tally Sheet
Litter Survey
PowerPoint
Vocabulary Cards
- To Biodegrade or To Not Biodegrade
In To Biodegrade or To Not Biodegrade, students will work to sort trash items into what they believe is biodegradable and items that are not. Students will also participate in discussion to identify where certain objects fit into the larger ecosystem.
For example, a plastic water bottle fills a human need, but can not be broken down by any plants, animals or decomposers. Meanwhile, a banana peel is what is left after a human finishes a banana. The peel can be broken down by other organisms.
Next Generation Science Standards
5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
5-PS1-3: Make observations and measurements to identify materials based on their properties.
Common Core ELA
RI.5.1.: Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem.
W.5.8.: Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work and provide a list of sources.
Lesson Plan
PowerPoint
Exit Slip
Vocabulary Cards
