Burnt Elm PS EcoLeaders bring recycling lessons to every classroom

 Waste Minimization is one of the areas where Ontario EcoSchools can make a noticeable difference, whether it is spreading awareness about proper waste sorting, or initiatives like Waste-Free lunches. At Burnt Elm Public School, Grade 5 EcoTeam members have taken on the role of eco-ambassadors by becoming recycling teachers for a day. As a team, they brainstorm ideas to make 30 minute recycling lessons that are informative and engaging for other students as well as being adapted to different grade levels.

The following is an interview with Grade 5 teacher and EcoTeam lead, Helen Brown:

In what ways have the Recycling Lessons contributed to a culture of environmentalism at school?

This is great leadership experience for the students, and leaves a lasting positive impact on the school’s recycling program. The Recycling Lessons provide opportunities for students at different grades to share and learn together, which strengthens the EcoTeam. This fall, student presentations include teaching younger students a recycling song, showing a PowerPoint slideshow to each class titled “Where does it go?”, and reinforcing learning with a game of Earth Ball (which you can read more about in the answer below). Students work in groups of two to four, and prepare for several days before they visit classrooms.

Can you give us an  example of a EcoLeaders’ recycling lesson??

The Earth Ball game has been a hit with students. Basically students sit in one spot, spaced around the playing area. The balloon represents the Earth, which is in students’ hands. Students need to keep the balloon from touching the ground. If it does, they help the Earth by answering a recycling question correctly. This is really just a fun way of reviewing the information from the “Where does it go?” presentation. EcoLeaders also lead the younger students in a recycling song, with actions to go along.

Have you noticed an improvement in waste sorting after students play the “Where does it go?” game?

Teachers and students have been very enthusiastic about welcoming EcoLeaders into their classes. EcoLeaders have been very positive about the experience too. We will begin our monthly class waste audits once all presentations are complete. We are still finishing some of the older classes and younger kids were taught recently, so it’s hard to say what the impact will be. If we compare to the initial waste audit we should have a sense of  what type of improvement there has been.

What’s next for your Grade 5 EcoLeaders?

Next up for the EcoLeaders will be launching the adoption of our neighbourhood park. But really the EcoTeam does it all – they are the engine behind all of our environmental initiatives. In addition to the recent recycling teaching, they led an assembly presentation called Respect Our Earth, and also created a “Where does it go?” bulletin board to spread awareness to the whole school community.