Classroom Waste Tally
This activity will get students to measure weights, record and analyse data, and present the results.
Overview
Activity
- Collect garbage discarded by the class for 1 or 2 days. Separately collect the contents of recycling and compost bins as well, if there are any.
- Lay a plastic tarp on the floor, dump the garbage on it, and have students sort it (wearing gloves) according to category (i.e. paper, plastic, metal). Either section off the plastic sheet with masking tape or use buckets.
- Check the recycling and compost bins (if you have any). Record anything in those bins that shouldn’t be there (e.g. a chip bag). Add contents to appropriate categories.
- Working in groups, weigh each category and graph the results.
- Create a bar chart bulletin board display that compares the various components of the classroom waste stream by type and weight.
Materials Needed
- Gloves
- Tally sheet
- Category signs
- Large piece of plastic or tarp
- Containers or buckets to hold separated waste
- Scale
- Recycling guide
- Pen/pencil/marker
Extension Activity
A waste tally can be repeated for seasonal/daily/weekly changes or to measure improvement over time when implementing a waste reduction program.
