Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students map the distribution and composition of litter in the school courtyards and grounds.
Learning goals:
- Students understand that litter can be found to varying degrees in every school.
- Students recognise that understanding where litter is found and the makeup of this litter can help us in planning to reduce this litter.
- Students understand that litter has many negative impacts for people and animals in the environment.
- Students discover that the litter from a school can have impacts far away from the school site.
- Students recognise that reducing litter can have many benefits for the school community and the environment in general.
Australian Curriculum content description:
Year 7 Science
- Collaboratively and individually plan and conduct a range of investigation types, including fieldwork and experiments, ensuring safety and ethical guidelines are followed (ACSIS125)
- Summarise data, from students’ own investigations and secondary sources, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions (ACSIS130)
- Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems using scientific language and representations using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS133)
Year 7 Geography
- Analyse geographical data and other information using qualitative and quantitative methods, and digital and spatial technologies as appropriate, to identify and propose explanations for spatial distributions, patterns and trends and infer relationships (ACHGS051)
- Apply geographical concepts to draw conclusions based on the analysis of the data and information collected (ACHGS052)
Year 8 Science
- Collaboratively and individually plan and conduct a range of investigation types, including fieldwork and experiments, ensuring safety and ethical guidelines are followed (ACSIS140)
- Summarise data, from students’ own investigations and secondary sources, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions (ACSIS145)
- Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems using scientific language and representations using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS148)
Year 8 Geography
- Analyse geographical data and other information using qualitative and quantitative methods, and digital and spatial technologies as appropriate, to identify and propose explanations for spatial distributions, patterns and trends and infer relationships (ACHGS059)
- Apply geographical concepts to draw conclusions based on the analysis of the data and information collected (ACHGS060)
Syllabus Outcomes: GE4-7, SC4-5WS, SC4-6WS, SC4-7WS, SC4-9WS.
Topic: Solid Waste
Time required: several 48 min sessions, plus time for analysis and preparation of presentations.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – assist with setting up and completing the activity.
Resources required: Clip board, plan of the school site including grounds and buildings, computer, student worksheet.
Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.
Homework and extension opportunities: This activity includes opportunities for extension.
Safety: Students follow the Class Waste Safety Code.
Keywords: Litter, rubbish, school, map.
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
Teacher preparation: