Classroom Recycling Audit

Area of Focus: Measurement, Data Management and Probability

Using the classroom/school recycling bins, have students sort the materials in the bins into categories (e.g., glass, paper, aluminum, plastic, etc.).
Place the items into containers by category.
When all items have been sorted, count the number of items in each container.
Have students create a chart to show results.
Have the students graph the results.
Next have the students find the mass of each container using a spring balance to determine which of the containers makes up the heaviest portion of the recycling program.
Have the students graph their results.
Discuss with the students whether they would expect to find similar results in other classrooms in the school - would grade level make a difference?
Have the students audit one or more other classrooms to verify their hypothesis.