Landfill, Environmental & Administrative Services
Educational Activities and School Recycling Program
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Educational Programs and Presentations
The Defiance County Environmental & Administrative Services office gives environmental/recycling presentations to all Defiance County Kindergarten, 2nd and 4th grade classes. In 2009, thirty-one presentations were given to approximately 605 Kindergarten students in 10 schools. There were 44 presentations given to 2nd and 4th grade students with approximately 922 students in 10 schools.
The presentations are geared to the age group. Kindergarten presentations are normally conducted in March and April of each year. We give a short discussion on litter and recycling and use a “Big Book” to show pictures of garbage and recycling and explain them to the students. The presenter assists the students to make an earth bracelet. The bracelet consists of an elastic string and six different colored beads. Each bead represents something in our environment such as brown for dirt, green for the earth, etc. After the bracelets are made, the beads are counted and everyone talks about the colors and what they represent. In addition to the bracelet, goodies such as coloring books, recycling stickers, notepads, litter bags, pens, rulers, etc. are handed out to each student and teacher.
The presentations for the 2nd grade classes include an activity called ‘Fishing for Litter Habits’. The students join in by fishing for labeled fish with litter habits and deciding as group if the habit is a good litter habit or a bad litter habit. This presentation also includes a lively discussion about litter and recycling.
The 4th graders participate in a hands-on activity called ‘Mining for Minerals’. This is an activity in which the students are given a chocolate chip cookie and must mine using a toothpick (our form of a pick-ax) for chocolate chips (minerals) without creating more waste. The less waste that is created through mining, saves the earth from land and air pollution. There is also a stimulating discussion on how mining uses the earth’s natural resources and how recycling saves the earth from additional mining.
Presentations for the 2nd and 4th graders are usually done between February and April. The Defiance County Environmental and Administrative Services has been educating students about litter and recycling for several years. In addition to elementary schools, presentations can be adapted for preschools in the County even adults find it enjoyable and interesting! If you would like more information regarding a presentation, please contact the Defiance County Environmental and Administrative Services office at (419) 782-5442.
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TEACHER’S COMMENT’S on the PRESENTATION:
" I felt your presentation was valuable to my class. We had just read a story about pollution and what the world would be like if we don’t recycle and we had a Science lesson about recycling. Your presentation enhanced what we had already talked about by giving us more information about recycling. My students enjoyed learning more."
Dawn Hasch, Fairview Elementary.
"Fantastic!! The students were engaged. The fish game was great! Even I was listening and having fun. I think we all got a lot out of it."
Mrs. Ashley Martin, Tinora Elementary.
" Lynn did a fantastic job! I loved her enthusiasm, the students did too!"
Mrs. Peg Johnson, Defiance Elementary.
"We really enjoyed your litter presentation yesterday at Hicksville. You did a great job. The kids really enjoyed the activity. Wish the weather had been warmer, but at least it wasn't raining. We look forward to seeing you again next year. Thanks again!"
Dianne Culler, Hicksville Elementary
"I thought that you did a very nice job with the program today. It was the right length of time and you did a great job keeping the kids engaged! I look forward to seeing you next year!"
Candy Rowland, Noble Elementary
"You did a great job of talking to the kindergarten kids, bringing it to their level. Thanks!"
Barb Welty, Defiance Elementary
SCHOOL RECYCLING PROGRAM
All schools and school buildings in the County have a paper recycling program in place. The Defiance County Environmental and Administrative Services office provides boxes to all schools to collect recyclable paper. Some schools have internal programs where they collect and transport their own paper. Several schools are provided with Mighty-Tidy containers from Werlor and we offer transportation of recycled paper to the Werlor facility. This program is a win-win situation for everyone involved.
For more information on educational events, please review the calendar of events on our web site or contact Defiance County Environmental Services at (419) 782-5442 for more information on all of our recycling programs.