In this activity, students test their recycling knowledge with fun trivia questions to separate fact from fiction. Then, they turn their learning into action by creating a “Recycling: Fact or Fiction?” bulletin board to educate others and spark conversation in the school community.
Grades Level: 4-6
Learning Objectives
- Explain the circular economy
- Identify what belongs in recycling
- Explain why collective action leads to greater positive impact
During this activity, students will:
- Answer recycling trivia questions
- Learn about and debunk common misconceptions
- Share their knowledge with others by creating a Recycling Fact or Fiction bulletin board
Materials
- Earth Rangers Fact or Fiction Recycling Trivia
- Mini wipe boards and markers
- Art materials to make posters
Instructions
Earth Rangers Fact or Fiction Recycling Trivia
- Ask students what they know about recycling and introduce the idea of the circular economy.
- Explain that they are going to answer trivia questions to figure out what people often get wrong about recycling and how those mistakes can affect the circular economy.
- Separate the class into teams and give each team a wipe board so they can write down their answer to each question (true or false). Go through the Earth Rangers Fact or Fiction Recycling Trivia. Teams get one point for a correct answer. Tally the points on the board.
- Discuss the trivia using the following questions as a guide:
- What’s something you thought was true about recycling that wasn’t?
- Why is checking the local rules one of the most important things we can do?
- What is contamination and why is it a problem?
- How can we help our families keep the recycling loop working?
- Create a Recycling Fact or Fiction Bulletin Board so students can share their knowledge with others. Have each group select one piece of trivia, illustrate it and explain its importance.
Reflect & Share
Resources
Ready. Recycle. Repeat.
Recycling guidelines for residents of Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the Yukon can be found by visiting: circularmaterials.ca/recycle
For other provinces and territories
- Newfoundland and Labrador (Rethink Waste NL)
- Prince Edward Island (IWMC)
- Québec (Éco Entreprises Québec)
- Nunavut – Check with local community
- Manitoba (MMSM)
- Saskatchewan (SK Recycles)
- British Columbia (Recycle BC)
- Northwest Territories (Government of Northwest Territories)
Info sheet for educators: Why Recycle (Earth Rangers)
