Mini-Lesson

Pollution

Grades 2-3

Objective: Students will learn about the effects of pollution and what can be done to reduce pollution.

1. Ask students to turn to a partner to talk about their recycling habits. Ask: What do you do, in school and at home, with paper, cans, glass and other items? Why recycle?

2. Chart 3-5 ways students recycle.

3. Read aloud the article, Talking Trash. During reading, discuss the creative recycling ideas in the article.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:

Challenge students to come up with different ways to recycle or reuse trash. Have students work with a partner to fill out the worksheet, From Trash to Treasure.

Divide students into small groups. Have each group create a poster that encourages Americans to recycle in creative ways.

Start a discussion. Ask: What is pollution? There are different kinds of pollution; what are they? (air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution). Give examples of each kind of pollution. Explain why pollution is a problem and make suggestions for stopping it.

RESOURCES:

The Dumpster Diver by Janet S. Wong; illus. by David Roberts (Candlewick, 2007).

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (Random House, 1971).

You Can Save the Planet: 50 Ways You Can Make a Difference by Jacquie Wines; illus. by Sarah Horne (Scholastic, 2008).