Provide an initial introductory lesson to recycling before beginning the project. This initial lesson is designed to teach the basic terminology associated with recycling. Provide examples of glass, plastic, paper, cardboard and any other materials processed by recycling centers in your area. Place each item on a colored piece of paper that matches the color-coding system your area uses. Explain the dangers of landfills, the benefits of recycling and the basic recycling process.
Assign an art project related to recycling. Pictures create a strong association with first graders, and by having them draw pictures of the earth, landfills and basic acts of recycling, the project will engage the students through hands-on activity. General instructions work well and encourage the students to develop a personal thought process related to recycling. The art projects also fit easily into any portion of an Earth Week schedule.
Implement a classroom recycling program as a project. Provide one small trash bin for each of the separated materials. Glass, plastic and paper are common in classroom setting. Divide the class into even groups for each bin and supply paint, glue, glitter and craft paper for decorations. Each group will decorate and color code the bin, with labels for the materials. Use the bins for an active recycling program in the class and throughout the school.
Extend the recycling project to the home by assigning providing a set of questions for students to ask their parents. Have each student research the recycling efforts in their home and find ways to improve and expand the current home recycling program. Taking the project beyond the classroom walls, takes the discussion into the home and increases the chances of an active effort developing in the home. Provide a commitment contract and create a goal to have the contract signed by the student and his family within one week.
Take the class to a local recycling plant to teach the recycling process. Make arrangements for a tour in advance and demonstrate how the separated materials reach the plant for bundling and processing. The large of scale of materials at most recycling plants demonstrates the amount of materials saved from landfills. Associate the present materials with a short timeline to reinforce the need for recycling.