Lesson summary
Students look at waste and the time it takes to decompose. Students are asked to order a selection of waste materials into the time it takes for them to break down. In the closing activity, they will act as archeologists undertaking a dig of a kitchen 100 years in the future and are asked to describe the condition of the items that they find.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- raise their awareness of the rate of waste material breakdown and how this can take many, many years
- build an understanding of the differences between biodegradable and non-biodegradable items
- take responsibility for their own waste footprint.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- know how long it takes different waste items to break down
- communicate messages around waste.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian curriculum content descriptions:
This lesson can be aligned with a variety of learning areas and year levels.
General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.3, OI.8.
Time required: 60 mins
Resources required
- Drawing materials or modelling clay
- Waste breakdown flashcards
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Problem solving
Additional info
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.
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