LESSON OBJECTIVES
This lesson focuses on the contemporary issue of electronic waste. Students will begin by examining how electronics play different roles in many aspects of their daily life, both at school and home. They will be introduce to the term electronic waste and will consider and explore the environmental impact of old, outdated electronics.
Time required: 4 x 45 minute lessons
_______________________________________________________
WHAT IS AN ELECTRONIC?
Look around you, how many electronics do you see in our classroom? Now I want you to close your eyes and visualize how many electronics you have at home! Probably a lot, just like here at school!
Student Activity #1 : Electronic Mind Map
Ask students to answer the following questions:
- What kind of electronic our in our classroom?
- What electronic devices does your family have at home?
- What are they used for?
Student Activity #2 : Outdated Electronics
Show students the following pictures and ask if they know the name or purpose of the electronic.
__________________________________________________
WHAT IS E-WASTE?
We all have electronics, and most of us often get rid of the old ones for a new upgrade. What we don’t think about when we do this is where our old electronics go. Once we throw them away, our old electronics are referred to as electronic waste or also called e-waste.
Student Activity #3 : Trash or Recycle?
Waste production and waste management are a part of everyone’s lives. Find out what prior knowledge students already know about making, and getting rid of, their garbage.
Ask students to answer the following questions:
- What kinds of garbage do you produce at home and at school?
- What is recycling? What is reusing?
- What are the different things we can recycle?
- Why should we recycle?
Divide the class into groups. Each group is responsible for a different garbage bag. Each student will be given a pair of rubber gloves. Have students sort their waste into the following categories:
PAPERS & CARDBOARDS
PLASTICS
METALS
COMPOST
E-WASTE
_______________________________________________________
Student Activity #4 : Recycling Programs in my neighbourhood
As a class explore the different recycling options and services in their neighbourhood.
Find out if there are any school or student programs you can get involved with. Here is one example of a program I found in my neighbour (West Vancouver, BC) by simply doing a quick search in Google.
_______________________________________________________
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THROUGH THE ELEMENTARY LEVELLED LESSON ON E-WASTE!
Let me know what you think by leaving me a comment 🙂
_______________________________________________________
REFERENCES
North Shore Recycling Program (2013). Retrieved from http://www.northshorerecycling.ca/