Challenges and Misconceptions of Recycling

Sarah Borzo, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Metro Waste Authority, discusses misconceptions about recycling and diverting items from the landfill.

Video

Runnells

Iowa Core Standard

HS-ESS3-4

Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems

Driving Question

How are juice boxes made into drywall?

Probing Questions

What other materials can be recycled or repurposed? (Example: plastic bottles for 3D printing)
Can plexiglass be recycled? Is there a way to repurpose plexiglass?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Create a documentary, podcast, etc., on recycling.
Develop a plan to recycle or repurpose plexiglass (may involve developing partnerships with local businesses).
Create a presentation that persuades a leader (school board, principal, city, county, etc.) to improve recycling.
Develop a plan that allows your school to upcycle materials and resources.

Resources

Metro Waste Authority: This website provides several resources on waste, recycling and the environment.
The Digital Teacher | WALL-E! A green resource for Earth Day! This blog post contains information about why and how the movie "WALL-E" could be used to learn about recycling.
PBS NewsHour | Inventing Beyond Recycling: In this lesson, students will create their own designs that incorporate recyclable or non-recyclable items.
PBS LearningMedia | Earth and Sky Podcast: Jeremy O'Brien on Why Some Items Can Be Recycled, But Not Others: In this podcast, Jeremy O'Brien discusses why some items can be recycled while others cannot.

Contributors

Submitted by Karla St. John and Amber Fairbanks as part of their Iowa STEM Teacher Externship experience at Iowa PBS.

Location and information courtesy of Metro Waste Authority.

Media produced by Iowa PBS.