The Waste in Place curriculum addresses the problem of waste and its disposal alternatives, and emphasizes responsible solid waste handling practices through hands-on activities for pre-K to 6th grade students. This unique curriculum aims to help youth have a better understanding of their community, the environment and to explore how they can make a difference in litter prevention and community improvement.

Overview

Who:

Educators, affiliate members and volunteers, and Scout troop leaders.

What:

Waste in Place® is a hands-on, environmental activity guide developed by Keep America Beautiful® (KAB). Waste in Place (WIP) contains interactive lessons adaptable for grades pre-K-6 or Early Childhood to 6th grade. The activity guide provides activities designed to develop awareness and knowledge about litter prevention, waste reduction, beautification and community improvement.

When:

Waste in Place trainings are offered periodically throughout the year, at regional trainings and the KTB Conference.

Curriculum Goals

Increase awareness and knowledge of solid waste problems
Use hands-on activities to teach students how to properly dispose of and handle solid waste
Promote social responsibility

Background

Keep America Beautiful designed the Waste in Place activity guide to address the impact of littering, waste reduction and recycling behaviors and how to improve the local community environment. Waste in Place uses an approach developed through three years of research and is consistent with recommendations from the National Board of Education, the National Science Teachers Association, the National Science Foundation, Science for All Americans and Project 2061. Some of these recommendations include utility, social responsibility, the intrinsic value of knowledge, philosophical value, and childhood enrichment.

In the Classroom

Lessons are correlated, and can be easily integrated into existing subjects, and may use a thematic approach to allow students the opportunity to practice essential process skills and develop the thinking required to make wise decisions about pollution prevention. KAB’s curricula, in conjunction with all participating agencies, promote pollution prevention education, which may include protecting natural resources, through conservation or increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water, or other resources.

Implementation

Educators must attend a six-hour training workshop to use the WIP Curricula and receive CPE credits.

For more information on Waste in Place, or to become a WIP trainer, contact us.

Sample Activities