Waste audit (Grades 4-7)

Grade/Subjects:

• Grades 4-7 Sciences; Social Studies (Environmental)

Topic/Length:

• Waste audit 40-50 mins.

Objectives:

• To introduce the concept and tasks associated with a waste audit.

Common Essential Learnings:

• critical and creative thinking
• personal and social values 

Prerequisite Student Learnings:

• some basic concepts of a waste audit

Methods/Strategies:

• Set: 5 mins. Introduce concept and history of a waste audit.
• • Ask for anecdotes from students (Have they ever wondered what is thrown out in their garbage? What type of garbage is thrown away at home compared to schools? What type of garbage can be recycled?)
• Development: Waste audit presentation and discussion.
• • 15 mins. Discuss the concepts behind a waste audit and discuss what is communicated in the presentation. 
  • 10 mins. Explore the principles of a waste audit.

• Closure: 5 mins. Review waste audit concepts and discuss projects the students may undertake.

Materials/Resources:

• The Resourceful Schools Project (US educational site)  Look for Waste Audit under Lesson Plans on the "Tips for Teachers" page
• Sudbury Catholic Schools Look for Destination Conservation under Teacher Resources on the "Staff" page

Assessment/Evaluation:

• Nothing formal – question for understanding.

Reflections/Notes:

• A good lesson for a Social Studies class or Science class (Environment.)
• Could be used for beginning classes Junior Science or Social Studies with focus on appropriate topics for that particular discipline.