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This checklist offers tips and resources to help schools identify opportunities to "green" their buildings and operations, focusing on common-sense improvements that schools can make in their daily operations to minimize or stop potential health and environmental problems before they start. The first section discusses the benefits of a green school program. The second section highlights management strategies. The list of environmental strategies includes: energy use; solid waste generation; indoor air quality; hazardous materials; mercury use; pest management; mold growth; water consumption; laboratory waste; building construction/renovation; purchasing; groundskeeping; and food service. Each section presents a list of strategies, a "Did you know?" box, and referrals for obtaining further information. (SM)

This solid waste resource was designed as a flexible tool for teachers of kindergarten through sixth grade. The multidisciplinary focus includes math, science, art, social studies, language arts, and health. Lessons encourage students to utilize skills ranging from reading and writing to problem-solving and analytical thinking. This document provides hands-on lessons and activities, enrichment ideas, journal writing assignments, and other educational tools related to preventing and reducing trash. Each chapter features one or more fact sheets providing background information on each topic. In addition, each chapter includes an index showing the grade ranges, subject areas, and skills used for each activity to help teachers select the appropriate activities. Each activity lists the suggested duration, materials needed, and other helpful information for teachers. A glossary of terms and a glossary of skills can be found at the end of the guide. Covered sequentially, this resource introduces the idea of natural resources as a source for many products that become solid waste; explains the life cycle of products and the quantity and type of waste they produce; and reviews common methods of managing solid waste including recycling, composting, landfilling, incinerating, and preventing waste in the first place. Some information about hazardous waste is also included. (Contains 19 sources.) (ASK)

This curriculum guide is intended for teachers of students in grades 4-8 and may be used as supplementary lessons, especially for science and social studies. The guide is divided into four major sections, a glossary, and large appendix. Sections include: (1) Sources of Resources; (2) Sources of Wastes; (3) Integrated Waste Management; and (4) Managing Your Solid Waste. Each section features a detailed introduction on what students will learn and activities to help students understand the various waste topics. The activities are divided into a summary section, objectives, background information, procedures, suggestions for further study, and a resource list. Any worksheets or figures needed to complete the activities are also included. The appendix contains information on the Missouri show-me standards, environmental education guidelines for excellence, types of solid waste, the Missouri Waste Composition Study, Talkin' Trash video teacher's guide, "Break It Down" video teacher's guide, composting learning guide, composting and vermicomposting fact sheets, technical bulletins, items banned from landfills, and the State of Garbage in Missouri 1999. (SAH)

Although the idea of service-learning is relatively new, the types of projects students are doing throughout the United States are quite diverse. The goals of this publication are to encourage environmental service in solid and hazardous waste areas, link these experiences to positive behavioral changes such as waste prevention and recycling, and demonstrate how the skills that students acquire can be a stepping stone to an environmental career. This booklet contains profiles of service-learning projects that focus on various aspects of safe solid waste management such as reducing household hazardous waste and buying recycled-content products. The profiles are organized by grade level into two categories: school-based and community programs. Projects include raising community awareness about recycled-content products, running community recycling programs, researching and solving landfill problems, producing educational videos, setting up and tending compost sites, and educating the community about proper disposal of hazardous materials. Each profile features contacts that can provide information on how to start a similar program in your area. Additional resources, including grants that can help to get a project started, are listed in the resource section at the back of the booklet. (PVD)

Recycling is a very important aspect of conserving the environment for future generations. This guide addresses the topic of litter prevention for the Alaskan environment and contains 42 activities. Activity topics covered include Natural Cycles, Human Interruption of Natural Cycles, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recycled Classroom. Grade level, subject area, concept, learning objectives, time frame, materials, and procedures are stated for each activity. Some activities contain suggestions for options, follow up activities, vocabulary, and regional adaptations. The worksheet materials are specifically geared for the Alaskan environment but may also be incorporated into a lesson plan on Alaska. The activities can be integrated into most science, language arts, and social studies curriculums. There are 12 worksheets which cover topics such as forest, tundra, aluminum recycling, newspaper recycling, and composting. Two worksheets are designed to be used after an investigative field trip to Alaska's forest and tundra areas. Seven worksheets are devoted to language arts skill development using word finds and crossword puzzles. The teacher's guide covers the topic of litter prevention. The materials are specifically geared for the Alaskan environment but may also be incorporated into a lesson plan on Alaska. Activities can be integrated into most science, language arts and social studies curriculums. An overview of the topic with references to activities in the Activities Handbook, tips for making and using puppets, and answer keys are provided. The curriculum is designed around four broad topics that include Awareness of Natural Cycles, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. A fifth topic, the Recycled Classroom, provides ideas for reusing trash in the classroom. Goals and objectives are stated for each activity and particular emphasis is placed on incorporating these activities into history and literature lessons. (SJR)

Urban environmental management and environmental health issues are of increasing concern worldwide. The need for urban environmental management work at the local level where the Peace Corps works most effectively is significant, but training materials dedicated specifically to community-based solid waste management work in urban areas are lacking. This manual presents a facilitator's approach to community-based solid waste management (CBSWM). Objectives include providing training sessions for development workers beginning and continuing solid waste management projects; providing information about solid waste management for people interested in the issues; compiling designs of solid waste transport vehicles, storage containers, and landfill models in one place to serve as a reference source; and compiling the experiences of solid waste collection systems worldwide so that others may learn from past successes and failures. This guide is divided into seven sections: 1) Introduction; 2) Guide To Selecting the Best Sections for Your Needs; 3) How To Conduct a Site Visit for CBSWM Activities; 4) Planning a CBSWM Workshop; 5) Raising Our Own Awareness and Building a Community Base (sessions 1-11 of the workshop); 6) Implementing CBSWM (sessions 12-28 of the workshop); and 7) Lesson Plans for Educators (adaptable to a variety of classroom situations for students of all levels). Also includes a bibliography and lists of additional resources. (PVD)

Renewal is the focus of this curriculum designed for students in kindergarten through Grade 8. The purpose of this guide is to educate students and teachers about the problems faced in managing the amount of solid waste generated by society. Each grade level curriculum is organized into activities that support exploration of the nature of solid waste, how to manage solid waste, and what can be done to solve the problem. Each activity in the integrated curriculum model reflects elements of the arts, communication skills, science, mathematics, and social studies curricula. Four major solid waste topics are employed in the activities at each grade level: (1) reduce, reuse, and recycle (the three r's); (2) packaging; (3) waste disposal; and (4) natural resources. A materials list, time frame, vocabulary, and procedures, are included for each activity. Appendices include: a list of solid waste management and recycling support agencies; a list of recycling periodicals; preferred and innovative packing practices; school recycling; Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guidelines on Environmental Marketing; bulk mail reduction; a list of sources for funding and awards program; a list of curricula and education materials; games and activities; and graphs and data. Contains 68 references. (DDR)

This sourcebook, for use with groups of up to 25 young people ages 10 and up, is designed to stimulate a sense of environmental stewardship for the planet through group discussion, role playing, experimentation, demonstration, and simulation. Lessons that stand alone or can be used in sequence require common materials and little preparation, making them useful for volunteer leaders with limited resources. The activities are organized in nine sections that illustrate the interlocking and overlapping aspects of nature's cycles. The activities in the sections: (1) introduce the group to four natural cycles: water, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen; (2) review interaction between producers, consumers, and decomposers within the natural cycles; (3) explore the meaning and production of plastics; (4) talk about the presence of plastic packaging in the environment; (5) help the group see why biodegradable polymers are an important breakthrough; (6) help the group see that composting is nature's way of recycling; (7) explore the need to recycle traditional plastics; (8) help the group focus on the range of possibilities for packaging with biodegradable polymers; and (9) help the group explore ways to increase public awareness about biodegradable polymers while emphasizing the need to reuse, reduce, and recycle. Seven appendices contain information and activities about earth cycles, landfills, composting, labeling, packaging, and letter writing. (MDH)

This curriculum guide for middle school environmental education focuses on energy, economics, and the environment (EEE), and the interrelatedness of these three areas of study. The booklet is designed to provide teachers and students with a conceptual framework for analyzing complicated issues that involve the economic implications of energy and environmental decisions. An introductory section contains a general economic framework for analyzing environmental and energy issues. Four units cover the following topics: (1) basic economic concepts; (2) trees and forests; (3) water resources; and (4) energy resources. Each unit focuses on a particular energy and/or environmental theme and has two parts: a case study and a set of classroom activities. Case studies are preceded by basic facts and vocabulary about the theme being studied. For each case study students use a five-step decision-making model to investigate and solve an environmental problem. Classroom activities are interdisciplinary and thematic and require students to make extensive use of resources in their communities. Classroom activities are divided into the sections of: Debating the Issues, Investigating Your Community, and EEE Actions--You Can Make a Difference! A resources section contains 50 state and national sources of information on energy, economics, and environmental education. (LZ)

This action guide is designed to help students and teachers become aware of the concepts and issues of waste management, and to motivate them to action in the classroom, school, home, and community. The guide emphasizes interdisciplinary activities that concentrate on the process of problem solving. Activities are identified by appropriate grade level grouped for beginning (K-4), intermediate (3-8), and advanced (6-12) students. Key sections in the guide contain: (1) an introductory story "The Birds of Zazurds"; (2) six awareness activities that help students identify the waste management problem; (3) six awareness activities that help students explore various actions; (4) seven self-evaluation/inventories that help students characterize the waste in school or home and then prioritize the waste problems; (5) 25 simple and advanced "Pathways to Action" projects, and samples of projects completed in Maine schools; and (6) background information, and resources (38 instructional resources, 11 trade books for younger children, 51 organizations and agencies, 28 teaching guide summaries from the California "Compendium for Integrated Waste Management," and a 100-word glossary). Development of the guide was directed by Maine's Common Core of Learning, and the "Critical Skills Classroom" model based on experiential education. (LZ)

This activity guide for grades K-12 reinforces the concepts of recycling, reducing, and reusing through a series of youth-oriented activities. The guide incorporates a video-based activity, multiple session classroom activities, and activities requiring group participation and student conducted research. Constructivist learning theory was considered during the development of activities. The guide is divided into the following sections: (1) 12 elementary and middle school classroom activities; (2) eight middle and high school classroom activities; (3) school recycling programs; (4) trivia, facts, and other information; (5) listing of 338 supplementary materials (activity booklets, coloring and comic books, books, catalogs, curricula, extras, magazines, recycling programs, and videos); (6) listing of 39 environmental organizations; (7) approximately 1,300 California local government and community contacts; and (8) a glossary. Many activities incorporate science, history and social science, English and language arts, and mathematics and art. Most activities include methods for teacher and student evaluations. Spanish translations are provided for some activity materials, including letters to parents, several take-home activities and the glossary. (LZ)

In 1993, the Oregon State Department of Education, in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), developed four "Classroom Activity Packets" with waste reduction and recycling lessons for each of the following groups: Grades K-2; Grades 3-5; Grades 6-8; and Grades 9-12. This teacher resource guide is the final component of that curriculum and includes information on the content goals in waste reduction education and methods to help teacher integrate instruction to meet those goals in daily classroom lessons. The guide is presented in five sections. Section 1 provides an overview of the new materials that includes educational objectives, a cross-reference to statewide curriculum goals, and a list of materials in the activity packets. Section 2 presents a history of the problem of waste, the Oregon hierarchy of solutions, and special waste reduction concerns, Section 3 discusses the teaching methods that include making use of technology, games, simulations, and parental and community involvement. Exemplary programs are recognized. Section 4 presents programs to supplement the implementation of the curriculum that include an awareness week, a classroom resource center, and plays and songs. Section 5 lists the following resources: (1) a Statewide Environmental Education Hotline; (2) facts and figures about trash; (3) a glossary of 185 terms; (4) local resources listed by County; (5) a list of DEQ resources; and (6) an annotated bibliography of selected associations, children's books, curricula and activity guides, and resource books. (MDH)

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' (NCTM) "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards" recommends that mathematical connections be made between mathematics and other disciplines. This book presents 35 activities for middle school students that integrate the teaching of mathematical concepts with environmental concepts. An introduction discusses the need for mathematical connections and provides the rationale for utilizing environmental studies as a context from which to learn mathematics. Each activity provides a reference for its source, the NCTM standards for middle school mathematics addressed by the activity, student objectives, background information, materials needed, procedures, methods for closure, and evaluation suggestions. The activities are grouped according to the following environmental concepts: (1) energy and natural resources; (2) plants and animals; (3) population description and growth; (4) solid waste disposal; (5) transportation; (6) water resources; and (7) weather and air. An index classifies the activities according to the NCTM Standards for grades 5-8. The eight curriculum standards addressed are: computation and estimation; patterns and function; algebra; statistics; probability; geometry; measurement; and number and number relationships. General standards addressed by the activities are problem solving, mathematical connections, reasoning, and mathematical communication. A summary discusses how the activities were chosen and encourages teachers to let students expand the context of the activities themselves by making the activities more relevant to local issues. (MDH)

This classroom unit was developed for use in grades 4-6 to help teach the concept of solid waste management. The teacher's guide provides an overview of the issue of solid waste disposal, a description of government, industry, and consumer roles in resolving the solid waste issue, and four lessons involving sanitary landfills, the reduction of garbage, recycling and composting, and utilizing solid waste incineration to produce energy. Separate support materials include an interactive wall chart, four student worksheets related to the four lesson topics, a crossword puzzle to assess students' knowledge of the solid waste issue, a take-home activity to encourage parent involvement, charts and graphs appropriate as overhead visuals, and a student evaluation card. (MDH)

The teaching materials contained in this teacher's guide provide a framework for teachers in different cultures to engage their students in collaborative projects. The guide is divided into five parts. Part 1 introduces the Global Thinking Project. Three chapters provide an overview of the project, step-by-step procedures on using collaborative learning, and procedures on using telecommunications in the classroom. Part 2 engages students in a series of projects in which students will be part of a Global Community of about 10 schools world-wide. Part 3 contains three projects from which the class chooses one to work on during phase 2 of the school year together with other schools to form a global community. The projects include Project Solid Waste, Project Water Watch, and Project Ozone. Part 4 contains the project Earthmonth. During the months of March and April, students identify, prepare, carryout, and report on a local project that has global implications. Part 5 contains three appendices: Global Thinking Resources, Extension Activities, and a Student/Journal/Log. (MDH)

Educators and educational institutions are frequently called upon to address issues when behavioral changes are needed. Solid waste is no exception. These four study guides contain activities and resources intended to help instructors and students understand what solid waste is, where it comes from, why it's a problem, and what can be done about it. The "Recycling Study Guide" includes an overview of solid waste and recycling for grades 4-12, a glossary, 20 suggested activities (with sections on goals, subjects, grades, materials, and procedure), and a list of resource publications, audio-visual materials, and organizations. A K-3 supplement to the "Recycling Study Guide" includes activities, worksheets, and take-home materials for younger students. It does not repeat the background information, glossary, and resource listing found in the original guide. "Nature's Recyclers" is an activity guide (19 activities) for ages 6 to adult, intended to help teach about natural recycling, cycles in nature, and the important role people must play in recycling our natural resources. The "Fourth "R"" is a booklet of ideas designed to help classrooms and schools practice recycling, reducing, and reusing to reinforce positive behaviors for dealing with wastes. (LZ)

This curriculum module is designed to provide teachers with classroom activities that promote an understanding of environmental issues such as conservation, preservation, ecology, resource management, solid waste management, and recycling. The activities enable teachers, students in grades 4 through 8, and families to begin thinking about these issues in relationship to their own lives. The activities are designed to give children a sense of their own power, to bring about change, and to give teachers flexibility to modify, adjust, and fit the activities into existing social studies, mathematics, science, fine arts, health, and language arts curricula. The unit has been correlated to the Indiana Curriculum Proficiency Guide and each level in the unit is a foundation for the next with responsibility, citizenship, stewardship, and environmental issues addressed at each level. Names and addresses of several organizations related to litter, recycling, and waste management are included. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

This activity geared for grades 5-9 involves students in creating museum stations on eight solid waste and energy topics. While working in groups, students present their station topic to other students who are conducting a "museum tour." In doing so participants are encouraged to enhance their reading, writing, public speaking, and artistic skills in a cooperative learning activity. Station topics include solid waste, source reduction, recycling, waste-to-energy, and landfilling. A teaching guide contains information on teacher preparation and 5 days of lesson plans. Students complete a multiple choice energy survey at the end of the lessons (test included). Background information and step-by-step directions for setting up each of the stations is included. (LZ)

This profusely illustrated and informally written booklet describes how people can help solve a growing problem--garbage. The following 12 tips are presented: (1) Reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging; (2) Adopt practices that reduce waste toxicity; (3) Consider reusable products; (4) Maintain and repair durable products; (5) Reuse bags, containers, and other items; (6) Borrow, rent, or share items used infrequently; (7) Sell or donate goods instead of throwing them out; (8) Choose recyclable products and containers and recycle them; (9) Select products made from recycled materials; (10) Compost yard trimmings and some food scraps; (11) Educate others on source reduction and recycling practices and make your preferences known to manufacturers, merchants, and community leaders; (12) Be creative--find new ways to reduce waste quantity and toxicity. Appendix A contains source reduction alternatives for around the home, Appendix B defines reusable vocabulary, and Appendix C contains a list of Environmental Protection Agency resources. Brightly colored drawings accompany almost every page of the text. (PR)

This Proctor and Gamble produced and teacher developed environmental education unit is designed to teach seventh through ninth grade students about making informed consumer product choices. The unit focuses on the concept of consumer product life cycle analysis, an approach to assessing the environmental impacts of a product at each stage in its life from raw materials extraction through disposal. Using this approach, a product is evaluated in terms of energy consumed, atmospheric and waterborne emissions generated and solid waste created for disposal. Included is a mini-unit about municipal composting. The materials include overhead transparency masters, student worksheets, and a teacher's guide. A wall poster that comes with original copies has been reproduced here in segments. (Author/MCO)

This activity guide, specifically designed for Illinois classrooms but adaptable for other states, seeks to encourage primary students to make their own personal statement and responses to the environment through increased awareness of reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting of solid waste materials. The activities incorporate environmental topics related to solid waste management in an integrated approach for math, science, and social studies. For each lesson plan the time needed, objectives, corresponding state goals, background information, materials, preparation, procedure, extension activities, and evaluation techniques are specified. Sources used to develop the activities are listed at the end of each activity. An annotated list of supplemental resources and a glossary of terms that can be used as vocabulary words are included in back of the book. (Author/MCO)

Educators are faced with the task of teaching students to be responsible stewards of the world's natural resources. This curriculum focuses on three interrelated topics in this area: energy, economics, and the environment. The goal of this book is to: (1) teach students basic knowledge and concepts about energy, the environment, and economics; (2) teach students effective decision-making skills; and (3) to engage students in meaningful learning activities. The book is divided into five sections. The first section provides a general economic framework for analyzing environmental and energy issues. The framework is composed of three components: the relationships between production, energy and the environment; economic considerations; and methods such as regulations, taxes, subsidies, and incentives that counteract negative external forces influencing the environment. The next four sections present case studies and learning activities to attain the educational goals of the curriculum. The units investigate: solid waste using a case study of the school cafeteria; air pollution using a case study of burning leaves; energy using a case study of power plants; and natural resources stewardship using a case study about drought conditions in California. A list of 49 additional energy, economics, and environmental resources is provided. (MDH)

The oceans covering two-thirds of the earth's surface constitute a resource for animal life, fishing industries, coastal economies, and recreation. This learning guide is a collection of 14 activities integrating art, language arts, mathematics, music, science, and social studies with the study of marine debris. A student survey is used to introduce the issue of marine debris. The activities are divided into three units. In Unit 1 activities, students define, classify, and characterize marine debris. In the activities in Unit 2, students study the effects of marine debris on marine life, people and communities in coastal areas. In Unit 3, students explore ways to prevent and reduce the generation of marine debris. Each activity provides directions for the teacher that include educational objectives, directions, needed vocabulary and materials, subject being integrated, learning skills utilized, and the duration of the activity. Appendices contain: (1) a glossary of terms; (2) resource lists containing organizations, curricula, publications, informational packets, audiovisual materials, and posters; and (3) reproducible clip art illustrations. Many of the activities are accompanied by reproducible student worksheets. (MDH)

The Iowa Clean SWEEP program is designed to provide educators, K-12, with a series of activities focusing upon critical concepts related to Iowa's solid waste problem. This activity packet contains 19 activities for grades K-6, and 25 activities for grades 7-12. Key concepts addressed throughout the activity packet include: (1) an overview, the finiteness of natural resources, and waste generation; (2) current waste disposal practices and volume reduction; (3) landfill problems and recycling; (4) methods of reusing, reducing, and recycling for waste management; and (5) waste costs and personal commitments. Each activity includes a "My Little Bit" and a "We Can Make a Difference" section designed to initiate personal commitment. Additional activity sections are objectives, activity in brief, materials, grade level, subjects, time, group size, skills, vocabulary, concepts, procedure, discussion questions, extension, evaluation, and background. An appendix provides a conceptual framework, additional activity suggestions, background information on common packaging materials and solid wastes, general information on landfills, recycling resources, a poem, and a glossary. (LZ)

These curricular materials are intended to explain wastewater treatment processes, detail the goals of the Boston Harbor Project, and describe the responsibility of individual citizens to the revitalization of Boston Harbor. A series of student activities covers three main topics: wastewater operations, wastewater residuals, and household hazardous waste. Activities are written at a junior high school reading level but can also be adapted for older or younger groups. Each activity features an introduction for the teacher explaining the goals, concepts, materials, and procedures for conducting the lesson. (WRM)

The materials in this curriculum supplement, developed for middle school or high school science classes, present solid waste problems related to plastics. The set of curriculum materials is divided into two units to be used together or independently. Unit I begins by comparing patterns in solid waste from 1960 to 1990 and introducing methods for plastics identification. The 11 lessons in the unit explore the raw materials of plastics, leads observations of what happens to plastic litter, and introduces alternatives to dumping, including incineration, reuse, and recycling. A community survey is proposed as a basis for developing a plan for recycling and waste reduction for the community. Biodegradable and photodegradable plastics are studied in unit II as the factors that cause degradable plastics to break down in the environment are explored. The unit describes several degradation tests that allow students to set up projects that monitor the rate of degradation for a variety of plastics. The lessons are specific to Illinois classrooms but may be adapted for other states. (MCO)

This curriculum guide is designed to help teachers in the middle grades facilitate student understanding of the social and environmental implications and limitations of technological development. The nine activities offer students opportunities to explore social issues arising from the science and technology of the production and management of solid waste. A teacher introduction presents the four components to this solid waste curriculum cited as generally recognized for exploring a science/technology/society (STS) issue: (1) the problem; (2) knowledge; (3) thought; and (4) action. Within this section the art of discussion, informed conversation, reflective conversation, and rules of etiquette for classroom discussions is presented. A section containing a review and teacher exercise for how to analyze STS issues for points of view includes the concept of "circle of concern," cited as a valuable visual aid for stimulating students' thought and discussion beyond their own concerns. The appendices offer additional information on thought-promoting techniques, a reference list, order forms, and an evaluation form. (MCO)

The two books, the leader's manual and the members' manual address one environmental problem people come into contact with on a daily basis: potentially hazardous household products. The purpose of the books is to educate community groups about hazardous materials. The member's manual shares information about hazardous items and provides facts to let the user decide what to do about them. In the two manuals, information and activities are presented in five sections about: (1) what hazardous household products are and where they are found in the home; (2) health risks hazardous products pose to people; (3) the issue concerning disposing of hazardous materials; (4) non-hazardous alternatives; and (5) activities to evaluate the members' expertise about hazardous materials. The leader's manual has a reduced version of each page from the members' manual. In the margin are tips and information bullets to assist the leader in implementing the activities. The members' manual presents 32 learning activities. (MDH)

This solid waste activity packet introduces students to the solid waste problem in Illinois. Topics explore consumer practices in the market place, packaging, individual and community garbage generation, and disposal practices. The activities provide an integrated approach to incorporating solid waste management issues into subject areas. The activity packet is divided into six sections: (1) introductory activities; (2) reduce; (3) reuse; (4) recycle; (5) residue: landfill incineration; and (6) teacher resources. Each lesson provides the organizing concept, objective, method, materials, subjects, skills, time, resources, vocabulary, background, leading question, procedure, evaluation, extensions, and original source. The teacher resource section contains a glossary, state learner goals, additional resources and reproducible pages for overhead projection. (Author/MCO)

This document contains materials for a 10-day teaching unit on solid waste recycling for grades K-6. Included are: (1) "The Scrap Map," which shows recycling cycles for metals and paper, and a cryptic word puzzle; (2) three pamphlets on recycling paper, nonferrous scrap metals, and scrap iron and steel; (3) a list of the chapters of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc.; (4) a booklet of background information; (5) bulletin board materials; and (6) "The Scrap Map Teaching Guide," which contains ideas for ten days of activities, extension activities and a teacher's glossary. (CW)

This brochure describes some of the many recycling program options that schools can implement in their communities. It focuses on implementing actual recycling projects as a way of teaching the importance and benefits of recycling. The text examines the solid waste crisis and why Americans cannot continue to possess a disposable mentality. It emphasizes how a school recycling program can impart valuable hands-on experience that encourages students to make recycling a part of their lifestyle. Such programs can help young people become active learners, enabling them to apply their classroom skills to solve real problems. Four types of school recycling programs are outlined: (1) an occasional or one-time recycling drive where students collect recyclables at home and bring them to school on one or more designated days; (2) an ongoing in-school recycling program where recyclable materials generated at school are recycled on site; (3) an ongoing account with a local recycling center; and (4) establishing community collection points at the school so that individuals can drop off their recyclables. Ten steps on getting starting, such as selecting the type of program that will work, making municipal contacts, identifying a local market for recyclables, and working out a budget are presented. Also included are instructions for how schools can apply for regional and national awards, like the President's Environmental Youth Awards. (Contains seven references, nine sources for educational materials, and addresses and phone numbers for the EPA regional contact offices.) (RJM)

This guide is designed for adult volunteer leaders, camp counselors, and teachers who want to explore the subject of recycling with youth. An introduction explores the waste disposal options of reducing, reusing, and recycling, and reasons for recycling. Additional background information is provided on common solid waste and how it can be reused and recycled. Each of 11 activities includes some or all of the following: an introduction, student objectives, materials needed, activity procedure, follow-up questions, and reproducible student worksheets. Students organize a school waste-reduction project, research local community waste issues, learn facts about waste disposal, expand waste-related vocabulary, become aware of resources used in everyday life, build a terrarium, grow plants from garbage, and build an indoor worm composting system. Additional sections contain: (1) information on reducing, reusing, and recycling in the home; (2) information on careers related to solid waste; (3) a 25-word glossary; and (4) a list of 31 additional 4-H natural resources publications. (LZ)

This guide is designed for adult volunteer leaders, camp counselors, and teachers who want to explore the subject of waste disposal and management with youth. An introduction provides background on waste disposal problems and disposal options including reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting. Seven discussion questions are intended to stimulate interest before conducting activities. Five activities engage students in: (1) making recycled paper; (2) comparing the rate at which different wastes decompose; (3) exploring items in a trash bag that could be recycled; (4) monitoring individual waste production; and (5) playing a game that reviews what was learned in previous activities. Each activity includes an introduction, student objectives, materials needed, activity procedure, follow-up questions, and reproducible student worksheets. A 26-word glossary and project record sheet are provided. (LZ)

This guide is designed for adult volunteer leaders, camp counselors, and teachers who want to set up composting projects with youth. Five sections explore: (1) an introduction to composting with illustrated instructions for making compost; (2) different methods of composting and structures needed for various composting systems; (3) how to identify and fix problems in compost piles using a problem-solving exercise worksheet; (4) six ideas for what can be done with compost; and (5) a series of six compost investigations with student worksheets. Each teacher reproducible investigation covers one or more "compost concept." Concepts include the importance of air, microorganisms, soil animals and compost food chains, organisms that break down wastes, biodegradable and nonbiodegradable wastes, air and size of wastes, and wastes as resources. Investigations involve students in observing, collecting data, recording data, and analyzing results. Additional reproducible worksheets contain a compost project record sheet and designs for different composting systems. Two posters illustrate how composting works and composting instructions. Black-and-white illustrations make instructions easy to follow. Contains a 30-word glossary and a listing of 15 additional resources. (LZ)

The purpose of this K-6 curriculum is to provide teachers and other educators with classroom lessons and home surveys that are a starting point for understanding four significant environmental issues--water, toxics, energy, and solid waste/recycling. While each of these environmental issues is complex and has far-reaching implications, the lessons and home surveys can serve as a way for teachers, students and families to begin thinking about these issues in relationship to their own lives. In this unit, students are introduced to each of the four issues in class and then take home a survey which they complete, if possible, with other family members. Each issue area involves two 45-minute lessons and a take-home survey. Students return to school with their completed surveys and discuss the results. In addition, a follow-up lesson for each issue is provided as a way for the teacher and students to take positive action in their own lives. This document contains the lesson plans, surveys, activity guide for making a poster, a resources guide, and a list of ideas for school projects. (CW)

This resource packet contains six documents developed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in order to help teachers infuse the environmental education topics of recycling and solid waste into social studies, art, English, health, mathematics, science, and environmental education classes. "Recycling Study Guide" contains 19 activities to help students in grades 4-12 understand where solid waste comes from, why it is a problem, and what can be done about it. "K-3 Supplement to the Recycling Study Guide" contains 11 activities for primary school students concerning recycling and solid waste, a glossary of terms, and a home recycling survey. "Nature's Recyclers Activity Guide" contains 19 class and home activities, games, crafts, songs, and skits to help teach people about natural recycling cycles in nature and the role people can play in recycling natural resources. "The Fourth 'R': An Action Booklet for Recycling in the Classroom and School" provides classroom, school, and community activities that enable students to practice recycling, reducing, and reusing to reinforce positive behaviors for dealing with waste. "Recycling: Facts and Figures" reports data from 1990 US Statistics concerning the volume of solid waste per person in Wisconsin, energy savings through recycling, trash trivia, and recycling codes for plastics. "Recycling Games and Quizzes" presents an assortment of word games, and matching and multiple choice tests about solid waste. (MDH)

This is an elementary, interdisciplinary, environmental studies activity guidebook about solid waste and natural resources. "Super Saver Investigators" what solid waste is, where it is generated, how we manage it and could manage it better, and the consequence of mismanagement. It contains many hands-on, skill enhancing activities for elementary students. Reference indexes and a glossary are provided. Chapters included are: (1) "The Matter of Wastes"; (2) "People and Wastes"; (3) "Nature's Way with Wastes" (4) "Technology and Waste"; (5) "Recycling and Saving Resources"; (6) "Waste Out of Place"; (7) "Unnatural Hazards in Nature"; (8) "Hazards in the Built Environment"; (9) "Waste Age Choices"; (10) "Waste and Wasteful Habits"; (11) "Getting Out the Message"; (12) "Reuse Enterprises"; (13) "Work, Waste, and Money"; (14) "Machines to the Rescue"; and (15) "Citizens to the Rescue." (YP)

Presents a marine education activity. Students construct a web of changes that shows potential problems caused by solid waste on beaches. They then determine whether each change is an increase or a decrease from previous conditions. (Author/SOE)

Describes a project in which students developed an all-class laboratory activity called "The Decomposition of Organic and Inorganic Substances in a Landfill". Explores what conditions are necessary to facilitate decomposition in a landfill. (SAH)