Recycling+and+Me

__Lesson Title:__ Recycling and Me __Grade Level:__ 4th __Subject:__ Social Studies __Time Needed:__ 45-50 minute //(plus additional out of class time to compile student lists)//

__Essential Standards__ __﻿__ 4.G.1.2 Explain the impact that human activity has on the availability of natural resources in North Carolina. 4.TT.1.3 Use technology tools topresent data and information (multimedia, audio and visual recording, online collaboration tools, etc.). 4.V.2.3 Create abstract art that expresses ideas. W.4.2. Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. W.4.4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. SL.4.1. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on //grade 4 topics and texts//, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. L.4.3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening. __Materials:__
 * __Social Studies﻿__
 * __Technology﻿__
 * __Art:__
 * __English Language Arts (Common Core):﻿__
 * 1) White board /markers
 * 2) The book "The Dumpster Diver" by Janet S. Wong
 * 3) The YouTube clip [|__Recycling and Energy Conservation:Kids Version__]
 * 4) Student made lists/"wordle" of things they THINK could be recycled

__Procedures:__
 * Several days before beginning the lesson divide students into three groups. Instruct students that they will be making lists of things they THINK can be recycled.
 * Group 1 is to makes lists of things that could be recycled in their homes.
 * Group 2 should makes lists of things around school that could be recycled.
 * Group 3 will make lists of things in the community that could be recycled.
 * During this time the students in each group will combine their lists and create a poster of the various things they've discovered. //(If computers are available, each group could make a Wordle or "Word Cloud". This not only would incorporate technology, but also save paper!)//
 * Inform the students what they will be doing in today's class. Today's lesson will be an introduction to recycling and how recycling effects natural resources.
 * Show the students the YouTube clip as listed above in the materials. Once the clip is over discuss with the students the importance of recycling, and how recycling effects not only our community but our planet as well.
 * Remind students that each and every one of them can play an active role in conserving our planets natural resources. Through the classes' "wordle"/lists it can be seen that there are many opportunities for recycling in our homes, school, and community.
 * Read out loud to the class "The Dumpster Diver" by Janet S. Wong. //(A book about recycling and repurposing)//
 * Allow the students to go back into their initial groups //(1,2,&3)//, and challenge them to come up with a creative way in which to repurpose **one** of the items from their word list/"wordle".
 * Once each group has come up with an idea, they are to draw out this repurposed contraption & present their idea to the class.
 * For homework, students are to pick a recyclable item (different from the one used in class) and think of no less than three ways in which it can be repurposed. In addition, each student must write no less than three paragraphs as to why recycling is important.
 * For closure, the teacher will mediate a group conversation about what they have learned in today's lesson.In addition, students should be reminded that everyone can play an active role in conserving our planet's resources.

Assessment:

Home work will be assessed using Rubric for Written Work Group work will be informally assessed using Rubric for Group Work

Differentiation:
 * Students who need to may type out their responses to any and all written work.
 * ELL students would benefit from lists of commonly recycled materials in both english and their native language. Working within a group or with a partner should help provide the support that they may need.
 * For all students it is important to display information in numerous ways by providing verbal explanations and visuals.

Resources:

Emmet County. (Producer). (2011). Recycling and energy conservation: kids' version [Video Podcast]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0V-3E64ht0

Wong, J. (2007). //The Dumpster Diver//. Cambridge,MA: Candlewick.