7-12 : Lesson Plan #4
Recycling/Waste Management Debate
Objective: The students will research and present the issues involved in a recycling or waste management debate.
Materials:
- Access to the Internet or books with information on a recycling debate
Procedure:
- Discuss with the students how there are a variety of debates that revolve around the topic of recycling and waste management. For example, what is the best way to dispose of a particular item? How should a community manage its garbage?
- Instruct the students to use library and Internet resources to find a debatable topic in the area of recycling or waste management. The students may then present and debate solid waste management strategies, such as landfilling, long-hauling, incineration, and waste reduction/recycling. They should research the topic and present both or multiple sides of the issue. In closing, they may pick which side they believe to be the best alternative.
- As variation on this lesson plan, put the students in pairs or small groups. Have them each pick an opposing point of an issue to have a classroom debate or simulate a community council meeting.