Assignments

Intermediate assignment 1 - Poster

Individually or in pairs
Create a poster on one of the following topics: recycling, composting or waste reduction. You should include information on your topic, and your poster should encourage citizens in your municipality to recycle, compost, or reduce their generation of waste. Your poster must include statistics and at least 1 table or graph produced from the "Solid waste in Canada" article.

Intermediate assignment 2 - Summary of article

To be completed either individually or in pairs.
Students will search newspapers/magazines/Internet for articles and information on a current waste related issue. Prepare a summary of your article and prepare a brief oral explanation of your findings (2-5 minutes). You must also offer suggestions based on your article and topic. The "Solid waste in Canada" article may be used for topic ideas. Presenters should be prepared to answer peer and teacher questions.

Secondary assignment 3 - Small group debate

Students will form into small groups. Groups will choose or be assigned a topic to research and will prepare a short debate. Each debate must include an opening statement, counter argument (rebuttal) and concluding statement. Students may use material from the "Solid waste in Canada" article, the library and the Internet for their research. See rubric for evaluation.

Possible topics include:

1. It is acceptable to transport waste from areas that no longer have sufficient landfill space to other areas. (See pgs. 13-15,17)
   
   OR
   
   It is not acceptable to transport waste from areas that no longer have sufficient landfill space to other areas. (See pgs. 13-15,17)
2. It is acceptable for Canada to import and export hazardous waste. (See pgs. 13-15)
   
   OR
   
   It is not acceptable for Canada to import and export hazardous waste. (See pgs. 13-15)
3. Municipalities should charge residents a 'price per bag' to dispose of their garbage. (See pgs. 17-20)
   
   OR
   
   Municipalities should not charge residents a 'price per bag' to dispose of their garbage. (See pgs. 17-20)

Secondary assignment 4 - Research on a waste related topic

Either individually or in pairs, students will research a topic related to solid waste. Student research should be based on the "Solid waste in Canada" article in combination with Internet and library research. Students will prepare a 3-4 page report based on their research and a brief oral explanation of their findings (2-4 minutes).

Possible suggestions include:

1. E-waste
2. Deposit return
3. Advance disposal fees
4. Landfill gas recovery
5. Composting/organic waste
6. Vermicomposting
7. Private versus public waste collection
8. Hazardous waste
9. Household hazardous waste
10. Municipal recycling programs
11. Municipal composting programs
12. Costs of recycling
13. Consumer packaging
14. Leachate

Additional Resources
Waste: http://www.ec.gc.ca/wastes_e.html
Waste: http://www.greeninggovernment.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=B2C3EC99-1
Waste: http://www.solidwastemag.com/issues/verify.asp
Compost: http://www.compost.org/
Recycling: http://www.recyclage.rncan.gc.ca/default_e.htm
E-waste: http://www.electronics-recycling.com/canada/
Hazardous Waste: http://www.environmentalindicators.com/htdocs/indicators/12haza.htm