School Programs
Activities with Guest Speakers: Our staff comes to your school or center at a time convenient to your schedule. Each activity is based on the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards. Activities can be done alone or scheduled as a series of presentations.
Teacher-led Activities: These activities are intended to be completed in the classroom without the aid of the Office of Waste Alternatives.
View the Curriculum Guides Here
Take Ten: a play based, process-oriented introductory curriculum guide featuring three hands-on student activities using a variety of reusable resources. Each activity is based on the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and highlights the importance of playful exploration and self expression.
View the Take Ten Curriculum Guides Here
Program Descriptions
Recycle
Students learn what can be recycled in our community. The Waste Watcher, our enviro-hero, may be available for a cameo appearance.
Compost
Waste Alternatives staff educate students on the process of composting — both in nature and in a compost bin. Students examine compost to find living creatures inside.
Compost Kid
Compost Kid’s story educates children about the process of composting — both in nature and in a compost bin. Children then play the Compost Game, in which they demonstrate their understanding of what goes into the compost bin.
What’s in Our Trash?
Waste Alternatives staff and the students sort through commonly thrown away clean trash to see the impact on the amount of garbage we generate.
Environmental Park Tour
Students tour the Environmental Park and learn how solid waste is handled in Alachua County.
Don’t be a Litterbug
Waste Alternatives staff discuss the effects of litter to our natural areas.
Litter Pal
Costumed character, covered with litter, tells a story about littering and its effect of the environment.
Paper Making
Waste Alternatives staff provides an overview of the history of paper and the issue of too much paper in the waste stream. Students make individual pieces of recycled paper from used paper.
Recycling in Your School
The Recycling Team works with the Waste Alternatives Specialist to conduct a waste and recycling survey, then establish procedures for recycling at the school. School Board staff will provide recycling containers and collection of materials.
Buy S.M.A.R.T. (Save Money & Reduce Trash)
Students learn about choices they can make to reduce waste and save money for their families.
Trashformations: The Art of Recycling
This juried art competition is designed to celebrate imagination and creativity, while increasing awareness of recycling. At least 70 percent of the materials used must be recyclable. First, second and third-place cash prizes will be awarded at middle school, high school and college levels for 1) creative expression and 2) the innovative use of recycled materials.
Curriculum Guides
VPK
Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Middle School
High School
Take Ten Curriculum Guides
Grade VPK
Grades K-2
Grades 3-5
Grades 6-8