Though it comprises only 5 percent of the world's population, the US generates 40 percent of the world's waste. Scholars learn about landfills, their safety, and other solid waste methods. They use experiments and research to learn more. They finish the lesson by completing a practice presentation and using writing skills to communicate their findings with others.

Concepts

landfills, solid waste, garbage, human impact on the environment, waste management

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Visit a landfill near your school
• Map out the landfills in your area and discuss the site location choices

Classroom Considerations

• The lesson was designed for an AP-level course, but you can adapt it to lower levels

Pros

• Provides AP rubric for grading the writing prompts
• Includes teacher tips throughout related to timing, presentation of material, and expectations
• Uses a 5E format

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.4 RST.11-12.7