Lesson summary

In this simple experiment the class will have the chance to study the different ways that waste materials break down. The class will bury a variety of ‘waste’ materials and dig them up at regular intervals to see how they are breaking down. This activity can be extended over several weeks or months, with the class revisiting the waste materials each week and recording their findings.

Learning intentions:

Students will...

determine how different types of waste take different amounts of time to break down
take responsibility for their own waste
learn scientific observation skills.

Success Criteria:

Students can...

conduct an experiment
use tables to record data
draw conclusions based on data.

Lesson guides and printables

Lesson details

Australian Curriculum content descriptions:

Foundation Science:

Objects are made of materials that have observable properties (ACSSU003)
Daily and seasonal changes in our environment, including the weather, affect everyday life (ACSSU004)
Respond to questions about familiar objects and events (ACSIS014)
Explore and make observations by using the senses (ACSIS011)
Engage in discussions about observations and use methods such as drawing to represent ideas (ACSIS233)
Share observations and ideas (ACSIS012)

Syllabus outcomes: STe-4WS, STe-9ME, STe-7NE.

General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.3, OI.8.

Time required: 60 mins to setup then ongoing to collect results

Burial site for waste
Digging tools
Different types of waste (glad-wrap, plastic bags, milk bottles and water bottles)
Gloves for teacher and students to avoid contact with waste
Printed Student Worksheet for recording waste

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

communication
critical thinking

Following this lesson plan is an ideal way for your school to take part in Schools Clean Up Day or a Clean Up on any day of the year. You’ll be joining thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference and creating positive environmental change.

Clean Up Australia - Buried Waste

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Summary

Learning intentions:

Students will...

Success Criteria:

Students can...

Lesson Guides and Printables

Lesson Details

Skills

Curriculum Mapping

Resources Required

Additional Info

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