Lesson summary
In this lesson, students will apply mathematical skills as they explore recycling practices in schools and reflect on their own recycling processes. They will measure the mass of recyclable materials and calculate approximate totals for the schools, developing skills in both measurement and geometry, and number and algebra.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- be able to sort recyclables and waste materials into categories
- be able to estimate the total consumption of each material within the school
Success criteria:
Students can...
- recall which items can be recycled through their local council (aluminium and tin, paper and cardboard, firm plastics and glass)
- explain why green waste should be separated from landfill
- find the mass of recyclables, green waste, compost and landfill in the classroom
- use the data from their class waste to predict totals for the school
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
Select your curriculum from the options below.
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian curriculum content descriptions:
Year 4 Mathematics:
- Use scaled instruments to measure and compare lengths, masses, capacities and temperatures (ACMMG084).
- Develop efficient mental and written strategies and use appropriate digital technologies for multiplication and for division where there is no remainder (ACMNA076).
Syllabus outcomes: MA2-9MG, MA2-11MG, MA2-12MG, MA2‑1WM, MA2‑2WM, MA2‑3WM, MA2‑6NA.
General capabilities: Numeracy, Personal and Social Capability, Ethical Understanding.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.8.
Relevant parts of Year 4 achievement standards: By the end of Year 4, students choose appropriate strategies for calculations involving multiplication and division. Students use scaled instruments to measure temperatures, lengths, shapes and objects.
Unit of work: Visy Education – Primary Mathematics.
Time required: 60 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – students will require supervision during the audit activities and will require support during the calculation activities.
Resources required
- Student Worksheet (printed, one per student)
- Calculators (one per student)
- Note paper and pens or pencils
- Class bins
- Five tubs
- Tub Labels (attach to tubs before starting the lesson)
- Tongs and/or latex-free gloves (at least one pair between two)
- Scales (i.e. bathroom scales that bins/tubs can be placed on)
- Recycling Guidelines poster (print or display)
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Community engagement
- Ethical understanding
- Problem solving
- Social skills
Additional info
This lesson has been developed in partnership with Visy. For over 70 years Visy has been committed to finding sustainable solutions for Australia and New Zealand’s recyclables and helping to reduce local landfills. Visy collects, receives and sorts paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, steel and aluminium from households, businesses and schools with the purpose of reusing these products in the re-manufacture of new packaging products.
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