Lesson summary
In this lesson students will learn about the environmental benefits of recycling mobile phones and printer cartridges. Students will frame the questions they have about mobile phone recycling in a collaborative Chalk-Talk visible thinking routine, then research key questions about recycling and the impact electronic waste has on the environment. They will present their findings to the class, then apply their knowledge by making a decision about why and how they would recycle and mobile phone.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- learn that by recycling their mobiles and printer cartridges, they not only make their waste pile smaller, but also reduce the consumption of natural resources.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- form their own questions about e-waste
- conduct research to answer their questions about e-waste
- critically assess their thought processes around electronic consumption.
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
Select your curriculum from the options below.
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Year 7 Science:
- Some of Earth’s resources are renewable, including water that cycles through the environment, but others are non-renewable (ACSSU116)
Year 8 Science:
- Solutions to contemporary issues that are found using science and technology, may impact on other areas of society and may involve ethical considerations (ACSHE135)
Syllabus outcomes: SC4-11PW, SC4-12ES.
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capabilities
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.3, OI.7, OI.9
Relevant parts of Year 7 Science achievement standards: Students explain possible implications of the solution for different groups in society
Relevant parts of Year 8 Science achievement standards: Students reflect on implications of these solutions for different groups in society
Unit of work: National Recycling week
Time required: 60 mins
Resources required
- A range of whiteboard markers
- Internet access
- Data projectors
- Compatible device capable of playing an online video, enough devices to facilitate online research in groups of 3-4 students
- Student Worksheet (one copy per student OR computers/tablets to access the online worksheet)
Additional resources:
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- communication
- empathy
- critical thinking
- creativity
Additional info
Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week started in 1996 to bring a national focus to the environmental benefits of recycling. This highly regarded annual campaign continues to educate and stimulate behaviour change by promoting kerbside, industrial and community recycling initiative. It also gives people the tools to minimise waste and manage material resources responsibly at home, work and school. In partnership with Planet Ark, we have developed lessons from early learning through to year 10 to help educators bring these important topics into the classroom.
National Recycling Week is held in the second week of November each year but you can recycle all year-round with these lessons which were designed to be used at any time. Click here to find out more about National Recycling Week and the Schools Recycle Right Challenge.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class sharing activities and discussion
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