9th-12th Grade

Lessons within 9th–12th 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

Recycle So It Counts

Lesson 1 introduces recycling and its connections with the environment and the use of landfills.

Resources include:

  • Lesson Plan
  • Teacher's Reference Guide
  • Presentation Slides
  • In-Class Activity
  • Take-Home Handouts
  • Poster
  • Virtual Tour
Students discussing

Lesson 2

40 Minutes X 2

Inside Look at a Landfill

Lesson 2 takes students on a video tour of a modern landfill. Working in small groups, they conduct online research and present their findings to the class.

Resources include:

  • Lesson Plan
  • Teacher's Reference Guide
  • Presentation Slides
  • In-Class Activity
  • Take-Home Handouts
  • Poster
  • Virtual Tour
Worker checking gas line

Lesson 3

40-50 Minutes

Real-World Challenge

In Lesson 3, students work in teams to analyze data and solve a real-world challenge related to landfill construction and management.

Resources include:

  • Lesson Plan
  • Teacher's Reference Guide
  • Presentation Slides
  • In-Class Activity
  • Take-Home Handouts
  • Poster
  • Virtual Tour
Students reviewing their work
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