The Plastic Waste Challenge is a project based learning Environmental Stewardship Activity focused on recycling/upcycling/repurposing for students in grades 4-7. 

Learning Outcomes: The Plastic Waste Challenge project is a Project-Based Learning (PBL) activity that integrates multiple subject areas, providing a comprehensive learning experience for students. This project is designed to  incorporate environmental stewardship, sustainability, and critical thinking with English Language Arts (ELA), writing, design and research skills, artistic expression, and creative thinking. 

Motivating Question: The central question guiding this project is: "How can we creatively address the issue of plastic waste to make a positive impact on our environment?" 

The project comprises a total of 18 activities, which can be conveniently printed and organized into a binder or stapled together. Students are encouraged to utilize various resources, including the internet, textbooks, maps, and peer collaboration, to successfully complete the project. Each student will create a unique project and will present their findings, allowing peers to benefit from their discoveries. The use of colored pencils, markers, crayons, and other creative tools is encouraged to enhance the visual appeal of their project materials. Additionally, there are resources and extension activities available for students interested in deepening their understanding of the subject matter. 

Project Activity Pages

• What I know - comparison of recycling and up cycling
• Mind Mapping Plastic
• Plastic Collection Challenge
• Brainstorming- What to do with all that plastic?
• Research -Repurposing and upcycling
• Repurposing Stuff Challenge
• Organize and Conquer
• Repurposing - Product Development
• Recycling Process Poster
• Life Without Plastic Challenge
• 3 Rs Social Media Plan
• 3 Rs Campaign
• Upcycling Design Challenge
• What I Think
• Reflection
• Final Projects 

Objective: The primary objective of this project is to immerse students in environmental stewardship and innovative design in relation to recycling and upcycling. Students learn about plastic waste and how we can each make a difference. 

Student Decision-Making: Throughout the project, students will be entrusted with the autonomy to make decisions that mimic real-life environmental issues/scenarios. They will analyze options for repurposing 'waste' and research repurposing options and product design. This decision-making process empowers students to think critically and creatively while honing their entrepreneurial skills. 

Student Inquiry: A fundamental component of this project is fostering students' research and design skills. Students will also investigate strategies to reduce use of plastic in our daily lives and propose options. 

Feedback/Revisions: Students will actively participate in the feedback and revision process. They will reflect on their experiences, offering insights into what aspects of the project went well, what challenges they encountered, and what they would do differently.

Published Product: Students will have the choice to produce an infographic, a website, a slide presentation, art gallery presentation or develop a product. 

Extension Activities include: an upcycled craft workshop, plastic free lunch challenge, upcycling fashion show, upcycled garden project, and an upcycled art exhibition.

Any or all of the pages in the pdf file can be printed and used for students across a wide range of ages/skills, or collaboratively with kids of different ages. For example, younger kids may focus more on the design while older kids may also focus on the environmental issues and repurposing of plastic waste. 

Depending on your student’s needs, scaffolding time studying the environmental effects of plastic may be useful, including vocabulary. Scaffolding can be done at any stage throughout the project as needed. 

Total Pages: 33 pages

Answer Key: N/A

Project  Duration: approximately 2 Weeks