”Environmental detectives”
Age group
4.-9.
Instructions
Starting point: What happens to the rubbish we produce in class?
The rubbish collected after breakfast together is analysed.
The children agree that not everything goes into a bin. They would like to know
know what happens to it all.
This is extended to the neighbourhood. For this, the children discuss in plenary what is needed to recognise ‘rubbish’.
Magnifying glass: Children want to make magnifying glasses to take a closer look
Camera: Pictures for documentation
Glasses with built-in camera: Detectives work in hiding
The neighbourhood is to be explored: the streets, pavements, rubbish containers…
Research:
They search for containers on the Internet, and together they make collages on posters showing the different waste separation options.
How long does it take for a certain type of waste to decompose? Facts and figures found on the internet are visualised on the smartboard.
Recycling paper: turning old into new. The plenary session raises the question of exactly how recycling works. Paper is made together.
Materials: roll of toilet paper, water, hand blender, large sieve, container for collecting water
Song: When the utensils are designed as detectives, a song is created: Rap (We are detectives)
The results are recorded on the blackboard in class: The children produce a map of the neighbourhood and discuss suggestions for improvement. They also share their knowledge with the primary school students.
Goals
Broadening understanding of topics such as sustainability, waste separation and responsibility for the environment using participative, creative methods.
– See yourself as an active member of society
– learn to act in a participatory way
– experience democratic principles
– seek and find creative solutions
– Encourage the exploratory child
Time needed
Up to four weeks