Small Scale Recycling Curriculum K-12
This Small Scale Recycling Curriculum K-5 (Primary & Secondary School) a hands on learning program built around real plastic waste collected from local waterfront cleanups. Students sort and identify plastics, clean and process the material, shred it into usable flakes, and then manufacture new items using small scale recycling equipment like injection molding. The curriculum connects environmental stewardship with engineering design, materials science, and responsible production, giving students a full cycle experience from pollution to product.
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1+ months
Mediumresearch
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More Information
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1
Download Curriculum
Start by downloading the full Small Scale Recycling Curriculum K-5 (Primary & Secondary School) Guide using the Google Drive link attached. The program is organized by grade levels (K to 12) and aligned with Next Generation Science standards. Inside, you will find lesson plans, step by step procedures, safety guidelines, materials lists, and student activities to help you run the program from start to finish.
2
Determine Your Equipment
Each lesson can be taught without any equipment, but many activities can also be enhanced by using small scale recycling tools such as a plastic shredder or granulator, a desktop injection machine, a larger injection machine or press, and a plastic scanner for identifying material types.
3
Teach Lesson
Choose the grade level lesson that fits your students and follow the guide to begin instruction. Each lesson includes clear objectives, discussion prompts, hands on activities, and NGSS aligned learning targets. Students will build understanding through real world recycling challenges while practicing engineering, problem solving, and environmental responsibility.
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