LESSON PLANS
Magic of Waste To Energy
Objective: Students will learn about the technology that not only reduces their garbage to a smaller volume of ash, but also recycles it into electricity.
Students will learn where garbage comes from, how much is generated, how recycling impacts the waste stream, types of waste generated, cost of disposal, the importance of environmental controls and regulations, and how a waste-to-energy facility uses garbage as a fuel to generate electricity. Finally, students will discover the surprising secret of what happens to the ash left over from processing their garbage!
Want Humus? Go Compost!
Objective: Students will learn about the world’s oldest form of recycling…composting! Composting is a practical method of turning leaves, grass, and other organic materials into a valuable resource. Students will learn about the natural process of decomposition that changes organic matter into a dark, rich and crumbly substance called humus. Humus is an excellent soil conditioner. Students will also understand the environmentally beneficial role composting plays in removing yard waste from our overall waste stream.
The Incredible, Edible Landfill
Objective: Students will learn about the science and engineering that is part of building and operating a modern sanitary landfill. Landfills must meet strict regulatory guidelines in order to operate. In York County, landfill technology is part of the overall integrated system used to manage garbage.
Students will learn that since we can’t recycle everything and some things don’t burn or can’t be processed at the York County Resource Recovery Center, a landfill plays an important role. Students will understand what a landfill is, what types of waste can be managed in a landfill, how landfills are regulated, and how advances in science and technology now influence how and where landfills are built.
Worm Composting
Objective: Students examine the quiet life of the "red wiggler". Red wigglers--also called redworms, or "Eisenia foetida"--are the primary worms used for vermicomposting (composting with worms)! Students will learn about the physical structure of this tiny biological wonder, understand the role "red wigglers" play in the environment (and in recycling leftover food waste), and investigate the concepts of waste reduction and recycling.
Biosolids: Wastewater at Work
Objective: Students learn how wastewater is treated to produce biosolids that qualify for use as a soil amendment. Students will understand the wastewater treatment process, the state biosolids regulations in place to protect human health and the environment, and the land application process itself (with an emphasis on how land application is managed in York County).
What's a Waste Authority?
Objective: Students learn about waste management from a public administration perspective. Why is the proper management of waste important to government officials? Students will learn the answer to this question and will understand the role a municipal authority plays in county government.
Students will learn what makes a solid waste authority different from other municipal authorities and what its responsibilities encompass.
Recycled Paper Revelations
Objective: Students will learn why and how we recycle paper. Students will investigate the history of paper, explore the important role paper plays in our modern lives, and consider all the products we use daily that would not be possible without paper.
Students will understand the environmental factors and influences that make the practice of recycling paper key to preserving natural resources. Students will compare pollution impacts resulting from paper produced from virgin versus recycled materials; and learn the step-by step process of how paper is recycled into new products.
Green Consumerism
Objective: Students examine consumer shopping habits to understand how product packaging and lifestyle influence their product selections, and how their selections directly impact the environment.
Recycling Rules!
Objective: Students will learn why they should recycle, what materials can be recycled, and how to prepare recyclable materials for processing. Students will be introduced to Act 101, the state’s Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act and will be able to identify the eight Act 101 recyclable materials approved for collection in municipal recycling programs.
Students will learn about different recycling methods (curbside and drop-off) and will understand how recycling is conducted in Pennsylvania (especially in York County).
Hazardous Waste
Objective: Students learn about different waste types generated and understand that many products used in the home can be hazardous if used or disposed of improperly. Students will learn to identify products that are hazardous, and will be introduced to non-hazardous alternatives.
Students will understand how to properly manage and dispose of hazardous products and will be introduced to an overview of wastewater treatment.
Students will learn how to use the "Household Hazardous Waste Wheel" and/or the household hazardous waste chart to assist them in managing this waste stream. Students will also learn where their regional poison center is located and understand the significance of "Mr. Yuk".
 New for Teachers
|
|
