ACT CDS - Cleaning the Environment

EYLF Learning Outcomes:

Learning Outcome 1:

• Children have a strong sense of identity
• 1.2 Children develop their emerging autonomy, interdependence, resilience and sense of agency

Learning Outcome 2:

• Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• 2.1 Children develop a sense of belonging to groups and communities and an understanding of the reciprocal rights and responsibilities necessary for active community participation
• 2.3 Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment

Learning Outcome 4:

• Children are confident and involved learners
• 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
• 4.2 Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating

Learning Outcome 5:

• Children are effective communicators
• 5.3 Children begin to understand how symbols and pattern systems work

• A range of waste items that vary in colour, weight, shape and texture. These could include used paper, newspaper, a small plastic tub, plastic bottle, a milk carton, and a paper bag. Make sure all items are clean and sharp edges are covered with masking tape. Alternatively, use these cards with images of recyclable and non-recyclable containers.
• 10 cent coins play money – You will need 20-30 coins. Alternatively, cut out and use these images
• Pot plants, leaves and branches, and stuffed animals – You are aiming to create a garden-like space.
• Upcycled cardboard boxes or other containers to serve as bins.

The ACT Container Deposit Scheme (ACT CDS) was introduced by the ACT Government in 2018 as a litter reduction initiative. Participants collect and return their eligible drink containers at an ACT CDS return point for a 10 cent refund on each. For further information about the ACT CDS, please visit actcds.com.au

This lesson plan has been developed by Cool Australia, in collaboration with Exchange for Change, the scheme coordinator for the ACT CDS, as part of a suite of curriculum-linked resources for teachers that support schools’ participation in the scheme and enable teachers to discuss the environmental benefits of the scheme as part of their sustainability lessons.