Hey Seedlings!

   First of all, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who made it to the meeting tonight!  With your help, we're tying up some loose ends and finally getting into the groove. Here's the links to the lesson plan we went over tonight: 

Part 1:

"Talkin' Trash" - discussion on trash disposal, landfills, etc.

http://www.rustletheleaf.com/lessonplans/1106_Lesson.pdf

^associated activities involved - "Trash Sort" would be good for kids!

Part 2:

"Trash to Treasure" -

Fill a small trash can with the various items that have been collected (e.g. ribbon, yarn, wire, etc.) and explain to students that these are items that would usually be thrown away after being used. Have students come up one at a time to select 3-4 items from the trash can (make sure to have enough of each!). There should be some leftover materials in the trash can for later. Instruct the students that they can make whatever they want with the materials they chose (e.g. jewelry, a picture, a sculpture), and encourage creativity. Once the students have done this, ask them each to come choose one more item from the trash can, then having each of them glue it on to a large cardboard box in a funky way to decorate it. Once the box is decorated, students can place their new "treasures" in this "treasure chest." Some questions to ask before, during and after this activity are as follows:

(1) Think about the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." What does that mean to you? What are some ways you can make trash into treasure?

(2) What are some examples of things you have seen in your everyday lives that reused trash?

(3) How easy is/was it for you to make something out of trash?

(4) Can you tell me about what you made for this activity? What kinds of "trash" did you reuse?

Part 3:

"What Can You Do With A Jelly Jar?" -

Present the students with an empty jam jar - ask them what can be done with this jam jar now that it is empty. Ask for a few volunteers for one or two ideas, then passing out the accompanying worksheets for this activity to the students (see resource from epa.gov for printable versions). Students can color the pictures of the jam jars, then completing the worksheet titled "Be A Planet Protector!" that asks them to come up with one way to reduce, one way to reuse, and one way to recycle. Remind them that this is an individual activity, but they can discuss ideas with a neighbor if they so choose. Some questions that can be asked during this part of the lesson are as follows:

(1) What can I do with this empty jam jar if I don't want to throw it out?

(2) Can you show me your drawings of the jam jars? Which is your favorite idea? (e.g. a cookie cutter, to store leftovers)

http://www.epa.gov/osw/education/pdfs/jellyjar.pdf - KIDS CAN COLOR THE PAGES!!!!

So there you have it!  Remember if you have any questions about materials/ideas for materials you would like us to buy, just let us know.  Also, the SEEDS lesson plan binder will be in the SEEDS mail slot next to the VIA office on the third floor as of tomorrow so look at it at your leisure!  Thanks again everyone, we're really thankful for your commitment and enthusiasm!

Thinking of you,
  Katie & Taylor