ReMA Recycling Collection | Grades K-12    >   Grades K-4

Going Green Is Art

Learn about "Going Green" using the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Restore) with items at home, consider what you can do to help the Earth, and create a work of art using recyclable materials.

Facilitation Tips and Potential Student Answers

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the Educator Overview until you see STUDENT CONTENT BELOW THIS LINE. Interleaved in the Student Content section, you will see educator facilitation tips and potential student answers displayed in red, italic text when applicable.

Resource Title:

Going Green is Art

Description:

Students will learn about "Going Green" using the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Restore) with items they can find at home in their own recycle bin or recyclable items from their trash. They will explore how recyclables are processed and consider what they can do to help the Earth. Students will create a sculpture or other work of art using recyclable materials.

Target Grade Level:

Grades K-4

Discipline or Course:

Science

Time Frame:

60 minutes, including the art creation

Suggested Grouping:

3-4 students

Materials:

  • Recyclable materials found at home
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Markers
  • Glue
  • Gloves
  • Computer with Internet access

Safety:

Students should use caution when cutting plastic, as well as other materials they are using for their art piece. Adult guidance is recommended as students build their art projects.


STUDENT CONTENT BELOW


Let's begin our learning journey by listening together to Jack Johnson sing about the 3 R's.  Sing along to the song. Web Link - Jack Johnson and Friends The 3 R's    


Turn and Talk:

What were the three R's that Jack Johnson sang about?

Four R's:

Have you heard of the four "R"s?

Look at Article - What You Can Do .

Notice it has the circles with the 4Rs listed: REDUCE, RECYCLE, REUSE, and RESTORE.

Think About It:

  • What does each of the Rs mean?
  • What are at least two examples of each of the Rs.

Write or draw a picture that models what you and your family could do to support each of the 4 Rs.

  • Reduce    
  • Recycle    
  • Reuse    
  • Restore

Green Art Sculpture:

Explore how artists reuse materials from recycling bins to make beautiful sculptures, crafts, or art.  

As you look at the images below, think about what you notice and like about each design.

Next, explore the world of Dr. Evermor's Sculpture Park with your teacher. Web Link - World of Dr. Evermor

What do you notice and like about Dr. Evermor's sculptures?

Look at your family's recycling bin or recycling items at your school.  List or draw some of the recyclable items you have found.

Your Turn to Be a Recycling Artist:

With permission from your family, collect interesting recyclable items for several days.

Be sure to include a variety of materials, such as paper, plastic, and cardboard.

Think about what kind of sculpture you can make using these items.

Draw a picture of your sculpture.

With permission from an adult, build your sculpture! Be careful when using scissors and working with the recyclables you have collected.

Share your sculpture with your teachers, classmates, and family members.

Extension:

Listen to the read-aloud story of "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss. Tell your family about the story.  Discuss why people might chop down trees and what they might use them for.