Lesson Plan - When Toys Become Trash

Watch a Video
Watch the video “What You Need to Know About Trash” and discuss: What kinds of things do you throw away in the course of a year? How might you apply the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• components 
• regulations

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about the importance of recycling electronics.

1. Based on the article, what are two reasons it’s a bad idea to put e-toys in landfills instead of recycling them?
One reason is that when e-toys are put in landfills, chemicals in the toys can get into the soil and groundwater, putting people and wildlife at risk. Another reason is that many e-toys contain gold, copper, and other valuable metals. The article explains, “When e-toys aren’t properly recycled, these metals go to waste.”
^{(RI.4.8 Reasons and Evidence)}

2. How do the photos on pages 2-3 help you understand the article?
The small photos on pages 2-3 help you understand the article by showing examples of e-toys, like walkie-talkies and a toy robot. The large photo helps you understand the article by showing an example of a landfill, where many e-toys end up.
^{(RI.4.7 Text Features)}

3. According to the sidebar, “How You Can Help,” what are some steps kids can take to keep e-toys out of the trash?
The sidebar says that kids can help keep e-toys out of the trash by giving used e-toys to charities, friends, or neighbors; searching online for a collection center that accepts e-toys for recycling; and asking state officials for electronics recycling laws. 
^{(RI.4.1 Demonstrate Understanding)}

FEATURED SKILL: Informative Writing
No states have e-toy recycling laws, and only half have laws about recycling any electronic waste. Research your state laws, then discuss what effective laws about recycling electronic waste, including e-toys, might say. Use the skill builder “Make Your Voice Heard” to have students reach out to lawmakers.
^{(W.4.2 Informative Writing)}