Recycling Our Materials

Overview

This is lesson 7 of 9 in Discovering Materials Around Us. Students revisit familiar materials, discuss why some can be reused or recycled, and work in small groups to create an eco-friendly artwork from clean, reused materials. They represent observations using a simple worksheet and share the pattern that materials can have more than one use.

Learning intentions

Students will:

• identify familiar objects made from materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, metal and glass
• recognise that some materials can be reused or recycled instead of thrown away
• sort materials by what they can do with them: reuse, recycle or place in the bin
• create and describe an artwork using reused materials.

Success criteria

• I can name the material an object is made from.
• I can say whether an object could be reused or recycled.
• I can use clean reused materials to make an artwork.
• I can explain one way my artwork helps reduce waste.

Curriculum links

• Science — identifying familiar materials and noticing patterns in how objects made from similar materials are used.
• Science — representing observations in a provided template and identifying patterns with guidance.
• Science — communicating observations and ideas using everyday and scientific vocabulary.

Lesson structure (45 minutes)

1. 0–5 min · Hook and recall. Teacher opens with the hook and materials picture showing a rubbish bin and a creative artwork made from discarded objects, then asks, “What could we use again instead of throwing away?” Students think, pair and share ideas, recalling materials explored in earlier lessons.

2. 5–12 min · Teach and model. Teacher uses the reuse and recycling explanation to introduce reuse—using an object again—and recycle—collecting materials so they can be made into something new. Show clean examples such as a cardboard box, paper, plastic container and metal can; model sorting them and explain that local recycling rules can differ. Students name the material, repeat the key words and give one possible new use.

3. 12–18 min · Guided sorting and recording. Teacher displays the sorting prompts and distributes the reuse and recycling observation sheet. Hold up or pass around clean sample objects, asking, “What is it made from?” and “Could we use it again or recycle it?” Students draw or match each object to a reuse, recycle or bin choice, with teacher support. Discuss that food scraps, dirty packaging and broken glass are not suitable for this classroom activity.

4. 18–32 min · Eco-friendly art project. Teacher demonstrates how to select safe, clean materials, plan a picture or sculpture, and attach pieces without wasting resources. Students work in groups of four or five to create an artwork from reused paper, cardboard, packaging, fabric scraps and other prepared materials. Each group chooses a name for its artwork and practises saying, “We reused ___ to make ___.” Teacher circulates, prompting students to identify materials and make purposeful choices.

5. 32–40 min · Gallery walk and sharing. Teacher uses the gallery walk questions to remind students to walk carefully, look without touching other groups’ work and notice materials used. Students view the artworks, then each group shares one material, how it was reused and how the artwork helps reduce waste. Invite students to identify a pattern, such as “Cardboard was used in more than one artwork.”

6. 40–45 min · Review and exit response. Teacher revisits the recap and exit question and asks, “What is one thing we can reuse or recycle at school?” Students complete the final box on the reuse and recycling observation sheet by drawing one item and completing orally or in writing: “I can help by ___.” Collect worksheets as students pack away materials responsibly.

Resources

• the Recycling Our Materials teaching deck
• the reuse and recycling observation sheet
• Clean, dry reused materials: paper, cardboard, packaging, fabric scraps and plastic containers
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue sticks, masking tape and string
• Drawing paper or cardboard bases
• Teacher-selected examples of reusable and recyclable objects
• Clearly labelled reuse, recycle and bin tubs
• Hand wipes or access to handwashing
• Camera or tablet for photographing completed artworks, if available

Assessment

• During questioning and sorting, listen for students naming materials and distinguishing reuse from recycling.
• Observe group work for safe material handling, purposeful selection and use of relevant vocabulary.
• Review worksheets and exit responses for a correct or sensible reuse/recycling example and one action that reduces waste.

Differentiation

• Provide real objects, photographs and gestures for reuse, recycle and bin. Offer sentence starters: “It is made from ___,” “We can use it again by ___,” and “We made ___ from ___.”
• Pair students who need language or fine-motor support with a supportive peer; allow drawing, pointing or oral responses instead of writing.
• Pre-cut some materials and use larger pieces for students requiring additional motor support. Closely supervise scissors, glue and small pieces.
• Extend confident students by asking them to explain why a material suits their artwork or to design a second use for one discarded object.
• Use only clean, dry, non-sharp materials. Do not use broken glass, food-contaminated packaging, batteries or unknown containers; explain that adults check local recycling rules.