Turning Trash into Treasure
by Linda Slade
In this 4th-grade STEM lesson, students explore environmental sustainability through the book One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul. Inspired by the true story of Isatou Ceesay, students learn how innovation and community action can solve real-world problems. After discussing the impact of plastic waste, students apply the Engineering Design Process to create a useful product from recycled materials. This hands-on project encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility.
Lesson Grade Level
4th GradeLesson Plan Link/URL
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1y6y4PNdguYNR7EWbrl2J8IcVMREE4SJT/edit?u…Subject Area
Science Earth and Space Science E1: Earth Systems E2: Earth & the Universe Engineering S2: Apply the Engineering Design Process S5: Apply Technology to Engineering English Language Arts (ELA) Reading (Literature) Speaking & Listening
Featured
Off
Related Content
Grades:
4th Grade
After completing a unit on weather, students will be challenged to research, design, construct and attach a snow plow to their Edison robot. Then they will create a scratch code that will navigate
Grades:
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade
Engineers often create small-size models of a new product to test its design. This is especially true with airplanes. Model testing tells engineers how a design responds to different air conditions
Grades:
3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade
An overall view of mining, minerals, and their role in our everyday life. This lesson compares the past, present and future of mining and it's relativity to sustaining our way of life.