Recycling Around the World

TIPC Ratings

Students use advanced Internet search strategies to locate information regarding the definition and history of recycling. Students discover the origin of recycling and the catalyst that prompted this nation-wide process. Their research includes finding out if there was a major event in history or a movement that caused people to become aware of the need to recycle. They determine if there was a specific group of people or just one person who is credited with initiating recycling, the first items to be recycled, what items we use on a daily basis that come from recycled materials, and what company is the leader in manufacturing products from recycled goods. In-depth research also answers the question as to whether there is a global problem of excess non-biodegradable items in landfills and, if so, the cost economically and environmentally. Through their research, student groups identify current problems with not recycling. They create a list of questions to ask others in the school community to determine the need for recycling at Hermitage High School. Blogs with students at other schools contribute to each student’s information gathering process. Various digital tools, such as School Space, blogs, powerpoints, video and music editing sites are used to display and share the information with classmates and others outside the school.

Students network within the school and community to find community groups who can facilitate recycling at HHS. Students share research papers via School Space with classes at their school. In addition, Hermitage High School students collaborate with students at other schools using a teacher facilitated blog format to determine the way in which other schools recycle. Students exchange ideas on how and what can be recycled and communicate their research findings through the ongoing blog. In groups, they present possible solutions digitally through graphic art, video, powerpoints, art, music, or dramatic skits. Students evaluate their peers for communications skills and promote feedback for future improvements via the blog.

Students answer essential questions provided by the teacher and generate their own questions to guide the research phase of this project. Using the information provided by the research, and monitoring the blog site for information gathered collaboratively, students determine the problem of excess non-biodegradable items in landfills and the potential cost. Students look at the problems at Hermitage High School, in their community and then throughout the world. They determine the initial item to recycle, hypothesize on future problems and predict possible solutions. Students network and find school clubs, local companies and community organizations who can help with recycling at HHS. Logistics of the recycling project and the use of rebates are determined. Current and future recycling goals are set. (For example, at HHS students suggested that the science club has a separate task of recycling for the school. Members are responsible to for picking up recycled items weekly and placing them in the bin for the company “We Recycle It” to pick up. Hermitage High School will receive a rebate from the recycled items to benefit the recycling efforts at Hermitage; plastics, aluminum and cardboard are now being recycled. Students also determined that water to be used for watering plants can be recycled fairly easily with rain barrels. They set a goal to help recycle grey water throughout the school in 4-5 years..

Students groups create digital products consisting of either infomercials or 100% recycled products common items which would normally be thrown away in order to teach others the importance of recycling. One student designs a t-shirt to promote the recycling effort. Creativity is emphasized in the final products which are made available to other students for information and research. The students can choose to use graphic art, music, video, dramatic skits, power points or songs. Humor is encouraged as a means of informing and instructing. The students set a goal to have these products as advertisements on Herm TV, channel 99 and possible local network channels, to inform, teach, and inspire people to recycle! They also select a name for their Recycling program. Students meet regularly to reflect on the progress of their recycling efforts and to plan strategies for getting more teachers and students involved in this effort.