Students gather junk mail from their homes for a week and bring it to class. Students become aware of the problems created by unsolicited mail and the value of recycling.
Grades(s) 4, 5, 6
Subjects(s) Language Arts, Math, Science
Objective
Students become aware of junk mail and its effects on their world
Students make predictions
Materials
1) Junk mail
2) Scale
3) Large container
Lesson
Students discuss junk mail. This discussion can lead to the costs associated with receiving mail that is usually thrown away. Natural resources, landfills, time, and money can all be listed as concerns. Students brainstorm for possible solutions to solve the problem of junk mail.
Students ask their parents about how junk mail is handled in their home. Is it recycled? Is it shredded? Have students remove all names and addresses from the mail before bringing it to class. (This is a good time to discuss identity theft with students.)
At the end of the week, all mail is placed into one container. Weigh the container first before adding the mail. Students predict how much the junk mail will weigh. Analyze the junk mail to determine what natural resources were wasted when it was produced. Make a chart to see what industries seem to be producing most of the junk mail. Discuss generalizations.
After studying the mail and all that is involved in producing and disposing of it, students work in groups of four to design kites make from the junk mail. Have a fun day where the students go outside and fly their kites. Give prizes for: Largest, smallest, most beautiful, best designed, etc.
Assessment
Students write letters to complain about junk mail. The letters can be sent to politicians, businesses, etc. The letters need to be polite and factual.
References
junk mail, recycling, mail, kitesMr. J.