The purpose of this unit is to learn the term “reuse” as it pertains to trash and the environment.  They will do this by working together in groups to brainstorm ways that they can reuse trash and why it is important.  They will review what the term philanthropist means (someone who gives of their “time, talents or treasures for the common good”) and link this term to their study of trash reduction.
 

The learner will:

• understand the concept of reusing trash.
• define the word “reuse”.
• brainstorm ways to reuse trash in their schools and homes.
• review the term philanthropist and how it relates to this topic of reusing trash.
• review the term “respect”.

Anticipatory Set:
Before the lesson begins, put a used object into the trash can – example: a used container or a used plastic bag.

Review the term “reduce” from yesterday and also what it means to be a philanthropist and respect the Earth. 
Review their homework sheets and the ideas that they came up with together with their families.  Add these ideas to the chart titled, “Reduce”.

Take the used item out of the trash and ask the students “What is this?”  Then ask, “Do you think it needs to go to a landfill?”  Then ask, “Well, what could we do with it instead?”  Lead them to the idea that the item can be reused.  Tell the learners that today we will be learning about the next R – Reuse.  Reuse means to use something in a different way.

• Remind the learners that we want to be philanthropists and take care of our Earth.  One of the ways we can do this is by reusing trash items instead of throwing them away.
• Tell them that you have a bag of several items that you found in the trash.  Have them partner up.  Give each partner one of the items out of your bag and ask them to work together to come up with a way that they can save this item from becoming trash!  How can they use it in a different way?  Encourage creativity and remind them that they are acting as philanthropists by putting less trash on our planet!
• Put two partner groups together and have all four see if they can come up with even more creative reusable ideas. Be sure they work cooperatively together.
• Come back together as a class and take volunteers to share the ideas they came up with.  Record these ideas on another piece of chart paper under the title REUSE.
• Review that philanthropists are RESPECTful of our planet Earth, try to reduce trash first, and then reuse it.
• Have learners write in their journal how they can reuse trash. Tell them that it should be something that they that they can do right away. Ask them to draw a picture of it in their journals.
• Show learners the worksheet (see Attachment Two) and tell them they have a homework assignment tonight.  Review the homework for day two with them.
• Review the Philanthropy Chant and encourage them to be philanthropists by reducing trash, reusing items before they become trash and respecting our Earth!
• Have learners write in their journal how they can reuse trash. Tell them that it should be something that they that they can do right away. Ask them to draw a picture of it in their journals.
• Show learners the worksheet (see Attachment One) and tell them they have a homework assignment tonight.  Review the homework for day two with them.

• Interactive Parent / Student Homework:
  Continue using Attachment One, Lesson One: REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE Worksheet