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Course: Middle school Earth and space science - NGSS > Unit 5
Lesson 4: Activity: how can we reduce our garbage footprint?Activity: How can we reduce our garbage footprint?
Make science come alive in your classroom with this free hands-on activity aligned to middle school NGSS standards.
Activity: How can we reduce our garbage footprint?
Did you know that humans around the world generate about two billion tons of garbage every year? That’s a lot! All of this garbage is a threat to the environment and to human health. Solving the garbage problem will require the help of governments and industry. But, there are things we as individuals can do, too!
In this activity, students monitor their own garbage production, uncovering hidden patterns in the things they throw away. By examining their waste habits, students discover opportunities to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost items that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Overview
This activity is designed to be completed in two 45-minute class periods plus a week of individual data recording, with additional time required for follow-up creative projects. The activity consists of the following parts:
- Setting the stage—Students demonstrate understanding that landfills can lead to environmental and health problems, so it is important to be conscious of the amount of garbage we throw away. (20 minutes)
- Investigation (Part 1)—Students record data about their own garbage production. (1 week, independent work)
- Investigation (Part 2)—Students analyze their data and identify patterns in their garbage production. (35 minutes)
- Let's get creative!—Students use the patterns they identify to come up with three actions to reduce their garbage footprint. (10 minutes)
- Keep creating!—Students can choose from additional project ideas. Each project encourages students to combine scientific knowledge with creativity to produce something new.
Download the worksheets and get started today!
You can print out this activity or upload it to a digital classroom.
- Student activity guide (9 page worksheet)
- Teacher guide (step-by-step instructions)
NGSS performance expectations
MS-ESS3-3. Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
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If you were wondering another big impact on pollution, taking more resources, and cities, this is one major impact.(5 votes)- When there is pollution in the Earth, it causes some landforms and water to go away. Or, animals could die, and can cause food problems for our diet. This is one major impact for pollution on Earth. When we take more resources on Earth, we can be instantly taking away animals' homes/habitats, this would cause some of the animals' key roles in life to fade away, causing the system of life to be unbalanced. This is one major impact for taking more resources than we actually need. Creating cities is a good thing, but it can also be a bad as well. When there is way too many cities, the Earth would get not get more greener than before, causing nature to be unbalanced for control of Earth. [Humans have actually created a mass extinction on Earth (In weather and climate lesson to see)]. This is one major impact of having too many cities. As you can see, this would tell you some major impacts of pollution, taking more resources than we actually need, and having too many cities.(5 votes)
- Why is there so much trash, It's like they never replace or something, Do they ever clean up, What kind of country or city is that.(4 votes)
The amount of trash can vary depending on various factors such as population density, waste management practices, and individual behaviors. In some areas, inadequate infrastructure or lack of resources may contribute to challenges in waste collection and disposal. Additionally, factors like consumerism, single-use products, and improper waste disposal habits can lead to the accumulation of trash. Many countries and cities have waste management systems in place, including regular trash collection, recycling programs, and efforts to clean up public spaces. However, the amount of trash is simply too significant to clean a good amount of the rubbish.(1 vote)
We should protect our land because this is where we were born and this is our motherland.(2 votes)
we should protect our land and not throw trash any when ever you feel like it(2 votes)- Absolutely! Protecting our environment and keeping our land clean is crucial for the well-being of both humans and ecosystems. Littering not only pollutes the environment but also harms wildlife, contaminates water sources, and degrades natural habitats. It's essential to dispose of trash properly, whether by Every individual effort counts in creating a cleaner and healthier planet for all!(1 vote)
how can getting trash of the road help(1 vote)
It will clear the road and that will save the environment and stuff(1 vote)
- why all garbage is a threat(1 vote)
- Garbage poses a threat to the environment, public health, and wildlife for several reasons:
Firstly, improper disposal of garbage can lead to pollution of water sources, soil, and air, which can have harmful effects on ecosystems and human health. Additionally, some types of garbage, such as plastics, can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, accumulating in oceans, rivers, and landfills and posing hazards to marine life and wildlife through ingestion. Moreover, decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.(1 vote)
- This is hard. Help me(1 vote)
- i do not like that(1 vote)
why is so tale(1 vote)- I don't have any questions.(1 vote)
- Great that you're understanding this topic!(1 vote)