3rd-5th Grade

Lessons within 3rd–5th grade build upon students’ understanding and help them gain greater awareness of the broader environmental, sustainability, and societal issues related to recycling and its role in conserving natural resources. The lessons can be taught as a unit or individually – whatever fits best for your students and your curriculum.

  • 3 unique age-appropriate lessons
  • Classroom and take-home activities
  • Teaching tools include videos, slides, and posters

Foundational Knowledge

2 Minutes

Recycling Simplified Student Video

Introduce recycling with this brief video that sets the foundation for all lessons.

Lesson 1

45 Minutes

Introduction to Recycling

Lesson 1 introduces recycling and why it is important. In a hands-on activity, students create posters on how to recycle properly.

Resources include:

  • Lesson Plan
  • Teacher's Reference Guide
  • Presentation Slides
  • In-Class Activity
  • Take-Home Handouts
  • Poster
Students working on whiteboard

Lesson 2

40-50 Minutes

Recycling Detectives

Lesson 2 expands on what is and is not recyclable. Students work together in teams to identify recyclables and briefly describe the steps to be taken to prepare certain items for recycling.

Resources include:

  • Lesson Plan
  • Teacher's Reference Guide
  • Presentation Slides
  • Deck of Sorting Cards
  • In-Class Activity
  • Take-Home Handouts
  • Poster
  • Virtual Tour
Student filling out handout

Lesson 3

40-50 Minutes

Before and After

In Lesson 3, students learn more about the benefits of recycling, including the numerous products made from different types of recyclable material.

Resources include:

  • Lesson Plan
  • Teacher's Reference Guide
  • Presentation Slides
  • Deck of Sorting Cards
  • In-Class Activity
  • Take-Home Handouts
  • Poster
  • Virtual Tour
For Administrators

Would you like to implement this program in your school?

Educators are key to childhood success, helping students develop the knowledge, skills, and character needed to thrive in and contribute to our society. We know that many lifelong beliefs and behaviors gain their foothold in adolescence. So, when you deepen your students’ understanding of the impact of recycling, you are helping shape our environment and the world around us for generations to come.

Download Full Curriculum