The 3R's Workshop: Teacher Tab

We designed this workshop after interviewing some of our students about their interests and hobbies. Many (in fact, a majority) of our kids said that they loved science and wanted to learn more about "how things work". That, in combination with upcoming events for Earth Day, prompted us to design this workshop centered around the 3R's- reduce, reuse and recycle.

We believe this workshop gives kids a special opportunity to explore their interests about science, the environment and "how things work" further. It also allows students to learn and discover in their own way. In this workshop, students become experts in one of the 3R's. As a group, they create a public service announcement that explains why this particular "R" is so important to us today. Later, kids get to have some fun in creating a project that reflects the ideas they learned about in their research.

Image from merdzinskijamie.edublogs.org

We have estimated for workshop meetings to be held  at least three times a week for three weeks. Each meeting is about 45 minutes long.

Week 1

Complete the activities on the "Initial Activities" tab:

•    Read Recycle to students and discuss as a large group.
•    Post discussion notes to this libguide in box provided.
•    Have students visit the Fact Monster website to begin research and fill out worksheet.
•    Allow students to choose their own topic to research further. 
•    Group students according to topics.
•    Students should begin this research using the 3R tabs and the "Resources" tab.
•    In Groups, students take notes as needed.

Week 2

• In groups, student begin writing the public service announcement. This is meant to be a fun commercial to help promote an "R" in the school. The PSA will be written then performed and video taped. 
• The PSA script should describe the 3R's briefly. Next, it should describe the "R" that they have selected in detail. Lastly, the PSA should describe a project that can be done to promote the selected "R".  
• Begin working the project.

Week 3

• In groups, students continue work on their projects.
• Projects/commercials can be displayed in the library or another common area.
• Video tape groups as they finish writing. Post videos to this libguide in the "Student Work" tab.

Web Resources

Gill, Deirdre (2008) "The Green Guide for Kids" Retrieved April25, 2012, from blogspot.com: http://greenguideforkids.blogspot.com/2008/01/3-rs-reduce-reuse-recycle.html

Claerr, Jennifer (2011) "Teach Your Kids to Recycle" Retrieved April 26, 2012, from http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/33691.aspx

United States Enviromental Protection Agency, found at http://www.epa.gov/

Books

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: An Easy Household Guide (Chelsea Green Guides) by Nicky Scott

Green Philanthropy for Families: 160 Simple Earth Honoring Gifts, Actions, Activities and Projects by Helen Deffenbacher, Justin Deffenbacher and Alexis Deffenbacher