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How It Works:
“Put Your Money Where Your Waste Is” is an
environmental project that will allow students to earn money while learning
the importance of recycling. The impact of waste and the protection of the
environment is its main focus. This will be implemented through several
recycling programs: newspapers; cans, bottles, plastics; cell phones; and
printer cartridges. As a school-wide project each class will receive
recycling bins from the county waste management department. Through lessons
generated from the Department of Environmental and Resource Management (DERM)
website, students will learn which goods are recyclable, how waste is
discarded, and how waste affects our environment. A field trip to the
Environmental Center will also allow students to learn first-hand how the
recycling process is done.
Standards:
The National Standards addressed in this
project are:
Language Arts, Science, and Technology
The National Educational
Technology Standards (NETS) addressed in this project are: (1) Basic
Operations and concepts (3) Technology Productivity Tools (5) Technology
research tools (6) Students use technology resources for solving problems
and making informed decisions.
Estimated Class Periods To Complete:
This project is recommended for a nine-week period, ensuring that students
are able to access the Internet or collaboratively work on the project for
approximately 30 minutes daily. The recycling project; however, can be a
yearly project.
Software Materials Used:
Students need to have access to the Internet,
Inspiration (which can be downloaded free for a 30 day trial), a
presentation software program, and finally, a projector to show the
presentation to peers, staff, and parents.
Keywords:
Recycling, Environment, Waste
Students:
This project is designed for third through
fifth grade students but can be adapted for any grade level. This project
would greatly benefit academically challenging students because they would
be working in collaborative groups where everyone has an equally important
role.
Overall:
The most valuable feature of this project is that students will learn to
work with each other, in a heterogeneous setting, while gaining an awareness
of environmental needs facing the world today. Through the use of
technology, field trips, and hands-on activities, students will become
proactive in an environmental issue. They will learn that the home, school
and community must work together for a common purpose. Through this project
students will be engrossed in learning a variety of skills while having fun
creating, collaborating, and problem solving. When learning is meaningful it
becomes long lasting. Effective uses of new media include the integration
of the latest technologies with the curriculum, replacing sometimes outdated
and boring textbooks. Through the commitment of teachers, students, parents
and the community, this project will enthusiastically spark learners to
begin making commitments that will help save our world.
Tips:When selecting the groups of
students, make sure that each group is heterogeneously comprised of
academically challenged and advanced students. Students should have some
knowledge of a presentation program, such as PowerPoint.
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About the Teacher:
Rosa Duarte is in her 29th year working for
Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Holding a Master’s Degree in ESE, she
specialized in autism. She was a Staffing Specialist and a District Support
Teacher for the Autistic Program. She received her Educational Specialist
in Computer Applications and in 1996, became the Technology
Coordinator/Computer Teacher/ Webmaster at Southside Elementary. She has
been awarded several Success Grants, Citibank FamilyTech Grants from the Ed
Fund, AT&T Teachnet Grants, and IMPACT II Disseminator Grants.
Subjects:
Language Arts & Science
Grade Levels:
3 - 5
Email
Rosa
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