Recycle Sorting Game
Games
15 minutesGradesK, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5Science, Social Studies
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Written by Elizabeth Ward
About this activity
The Recycle Sorting Game is an interactive activity where students practice sorting everyday items into trash, compost, or recycling. By making choices about where different objects belong, students build real-world skills in waste management and environmental responsibility while having fun.
Everything you need to teach it
- Recycle Sorting GameView Activity
Teaching tips
- If the drag-and-drop feature does not work on your device, students can simply click on the correct receptacle to sort the item.
- Try playing together as a class on an interactive whiteboard or smart board to encourage group discussion.
- Use the game on tablets or computers in a learning center for individual or small group practice.
- Pause after sorting a few items to ask students why they made their choices, helping them connect the game to real-life recycling and composting habits.
- Let students write or draw additional waste items on scrap paper, then sort into receptacles in the classroom. Classmates can challenge each other to identify where they should be sorted.
- Use this as a jumping off point to discuss why we have different receptacles for our waste. Discuss what happens to compost and where recycling and trash go.
- Use this sort when teaching classification and sorting in Math.
- To extend the learning, check out these resources:
From the scientist review
This matching game guides students in understanding how to sort their waste between recycling, composting and trash. This resource strongly promotes environmental sustainability and is recommended for use in the classroom.
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About the teacher writer
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Elizabeth Ward
Elizabeth Ward, B.S., is SubjectToClimate's Chief Product Officer. She has more than 12 years of teaching experience across 3rd-grade science and social studies, Kindergarten, and online EFL, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement. She has spent 8 years in the education sector, spanning curriculum development and ed tech. Outside of work, she loves exploring the natural beauty of her home state of Texas.
Reviews
Michele Hilbert
Good quick activity! It would be wonderful if we were able to edit & save it to fit our community's composting guidelines. At our school, we compost meat & bones for example. Regardless, as is, it is a great tool for good conversation & practice.
9 months ago
