Lesson Plan - When Toys Become Trash

Watch the Video
Watch the video “What You Need to Know About Trash,” then discuss: What happens to items once we throw them in the trash? What kinds of things do you throw away? 

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• decompose
• regulations
• recyclables

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about why it is important to recycle electronics.

1. Based on the article, what are two reasons it’s a bad idea to put e-toys in landfills instead of recycling them?
One reason is that when e-toys are put in landfills, chemicals in the toys can get into the soil and water, making people and wildlife sick. Another reason is that many e-toys contain valuable metals like gold and copper. The article explains, “When e-toys aren’t recycled, those metals go to waste.”
^{(RI.3.1 Text Evidence)}

2. How do the photos help you understand the article?
Sample response: The small photos on page 2 help you understand the article by showing examples of e-toys, like walkie-talkies and a video game. The large photo on pages 2-3 helps you understand the article by showing an example of a landfill, where many e-toys end up.
^{(RI.3.7 Using Visuals)}

3. According to the sidebar, “How You Can Produce Less Trash!,” what are some steps kids can take to cut down on trash?
The sidebar says that kids can help cut down on trash by reducing the number of things they use, reusing items like glass bottles or lunch bags, and helping to sort recyclables at home.
^{(RI.3.5 Text Features)}

FEATURED SKILL: Cause and Effect
Use the skill builder “The Three R’s” to review what it means to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and to encourage students to recognize examples of each practice. Challenge students to put the three R’s into action in your classroom!
^{(RI.3.1 Demonstrate Understanding)}