Web Quest

Introduction

In this web quest, we will embark on an exciting journey learning about waste management, they different types of waste and the 3R's Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. This is a Social Studies lesson for the grade 4 level students, that will last for approximately 1 1/2 hours. This is a very engaging and student centered lesson filled with factual information that will be beneficial to them as they grow.

Task

1. Introduction

2. Task

3. Process

4. Evaluation

5. Conclusion

6. Credits

7. Teacher Page

Process

1. Song engagement

Engage in a song called "Nuh Dutty up Jamaica". ask the students questions such as: 

  • Based on the song that we just sang together, what do you think the topic will be for today’s lesson?

  • Ask students why they would have chosen this answer

2. Presentation of meaning

Present a chart with the definition of waste management, ask students to divide themselves in four groups. Allow each group to research on one type of solid waste.( Green waste, Hazardous waste, E-waste and Solid waste)

3.Explanation section

Explain and add information to the topic of waste management by showing printouts to the students about 3R's of waste management.

4. Given Activities

Remind students about the elements of drawing (lines, color, shapes), teach students about the elements of drama such as (dialogue, character, setting, plot and conflict). 

Introduce what compost is to the students, provide handouts with step by step process on how to create a compost and provide students with materials to create their own compost heap.

 

Evaluation

Assess the student through different tasks. Find out what they have learnt throughout the lesson 

  • Remind the students how to write a paragraph. 

  • Display a chart showing an empty paragraph layout.

  • provide the students with the different parts of a paragraph. 

 

  • Have students paste the different parts of the paragraph on the paragraph chart provided. 

  • Allow students to write 2 paragraphs on how any type of waste may affect the environment. (above grade level)

  • Write one paragraph describing what waste management is and what is meant by the 3 R's of waste management. (at grade level)

  • Complete an unscrambled exercise on waste management. (below grade level)

Conclusion

What is waste management?

Waste management is a procedure in which unwanted garbage or waste is being dumped in a proper place and in a proper manner by disposing and recycling them to avoid any type of pollution so that people can live a good, healthy, and disease-free life.

Purpose of waste management 

The prime objective of waste management is to reduce the amount of unusable materials and to prevent potential health and environmental hazards.



 

Types of wastes 

  1. Green waste/Biodegradable waste

  2. Hazardous Waste 

  3. Solid waste

  4. E-Waste 

 

3R’s of Waste Management

The 3Rs stand for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. These three small words are pivotal to managing waste and helping to combat climate change. Reduce means to make smaller/less in amount.

Reuse means to use something again, either for its original purpose or repurposed for a different task. Recycle means to convert waste into material that can be used to remake the item, or to make something else.

 

What is a Compost/ What is composting? 

What is Composting?

Composting is nature’s process of recycling decomposed organic materials into a rich soil known as compost. Anything that was once living will decompose. Basically, backyard composting is an acceleration of the same process nature uses. By composting your organic waste, you are returning nutrients back into the soil in order for the cycle of life to continue. Finished compost looks like soil–dark brown, crumbly, and smells like a forest floor.

What to use when creating a Compost Heap

  • Kitchen scraps (vegetable and fruit peelings)

  • Garden refuse; grass, leaves, and flowers

  • Soil

  • Shredded newspaper 

  • Water for moisture 

 

Instructions to follow when creating a compost 

  1. Mix yard and kitchen scraps in a bin.

  2. Add one (1) shovel or two (2) of soil. 

  3. Add bulky material (shredded newspaper).

  4. Add water as needed to moisten the pile so that the compost is loose and airy.

  5. Mix compost material together.

  6. Thoroughly turn over compost once per week. This exercise allows for thorough decomposition, prevents overheating, and increases the composting process.

  7. The Compost process is complete within five (5) to eight (8) weeks

 

Credits

Resource Materials: Biology Online. (2022). Waste Management - Definition and Examples - Biology-Online Dictionary. Biology Articles, Tutorials & Dictionary Online. 

https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/waste-management 

 

Buckle Scott, L. Berry, W. Paisley, M. & Glanville, S. (2018). National Standards Curriculum (NSC) – Ministry of Education and Youth. Grade 4 exploratory core.

https://moey.gov.jm/curriculum-item/grade-4-exploratory-core-language-arts-science-

social-studies-mathematics/ 

National Solid Waste Management Authority - Jamaica. (2023). Backyard Composting – A Guide for Composting Yard and Food Waste - National Solid Waste Management Authority - Jamaica. National Solid Waste Management Authority - Jamaica - an Agency of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development. 

https://www.nswma.gov.jm/backyard-composting-a-guide-for-composting-yard-and-food-waste/  

Rice, S. (2023) The 3Rs explained (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). Travelife for Accommodation. 

 

https://travelifestaybetter.com/the-3rs-explained-reduce-reuse-recycle/ 

 

Waste prevention: Reduce, reuse, recycle. (n.d.). infoDiagram Ltd. 

https://www.infodiagram.com/slides/waste-prevention-waste-management-reduce-reuse-recycle-use-again-landfill-sustainable-development-sustainability/ 

Teacher Page

Extended learning/ Enrichment:

  • The students will research at least two different uses for the different types of waste presented during the lesson.