Alyce Haren, a First Grade Teacher at Clearcreek Elementary, challenged her students to make a recycled craft, from home, using materials they were otherwise getting rid of or throwing away.
Earlier this school year, before the State of Ohio mandated the closures of all K-12 schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, first grade students in Mrs. Haren’s class raised concerns about the lack of recycling options available at Clearcreek Elementary. Following a Project-Based Learning model, Mrs. Haren began discussions with her students asking them to address one simple question, “How can we reduce waste at Clearcreek Elementary?”
While still in school, the students worked with Principal Carrie Corder to reuse empty copy-paper boxes in each classroom to collect recycled paper every Friday. Also, a “Waste Free Wednesday” initiative was implemented at the school.
While researching, the students learned that 530,000 tons of lunch waste is sent to landfills each year in America. The students decided that lunchtime was an excellent opportunity to make an impact. After the schools’ PTO purchased a composting bin, the students began bringing back compostable items after lunch, as well as from home and the community, including coffee grounds from Dorothy Lane Market. The compost made from this bin, which has been placed outside Clearcreek Elementary during the quarantine, will be used for the growing of plants and flowers in the school’s Sensory Garden.
Now, with at home learning taking place, Mrs. Haren shifted gears and assigned her students to make a list of recycled materials, tell its purpose, and share what the craft is used for or what it does. The students then presented their recycled creations during a Google Meet. “These crafts, as well as the ideas students brought to the school building, gave the class some closure to the project,” said Alyce Haren. Most of all I hoped for the students to learn that they each have a voice and their voice matters!”