The purpose of this learning experience is to engage 8th-grade students in exploring the physical and chemical properties of materials through the lens of waste management. By conducting hands-on labs and researching current waste management technologies, students will develop a deeper understanding of how different materials can be separated and managed sustainably. Through creating infographics and participating in peer critiques, students will collaborate to design innovative waste management solutions that educate their community and promote environmental health. This project aims to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, empowering students to contribute to sustainable practices in their everyday lives.

Students will explore the physical and chemical properties of materials to understand their role in waste management. They will investigate and analyze current waste management technologies, such as recycling and composting, and evaluate their effectiveness. Through hands-on labs, students will learn separation techniques to distinguish between elements, compounds, and mixtures. By creating infographics on specific types of municipal waste, students will apply their knowledge to propose sustainable waste management solutions. Collaborative projects will focus on designing initiatives that educate the community about minimizing waste and promoting environmental health.

Students will create an infographic on a specific type of municipal waste, such as plastic, glass, paper, metals, organics, or e-waste, highlighting its properties and management strategies. They will conduct small labs to explore separation techniques and research current waste management technologies, using their findings to inform their infographic design. Additionally, students will collaborate to propose a community project that addresses waste management challenges, incorporating peer feedback to refine their ideas. The final products will be showcased to the middle school community, fostering awareness and dialogue about sustainable waste practices.

Begin the project with a field trip to a local waste management facility, where students can observe firsthand the processes involved in handling different types of waste. Follow this with a guest speaker session featuring a waste management expert who can discuss the challenges and innovations in the field. Back in the classroom, engage students in a hands-on activity where they sort a variety of waste items into categories like plastics, glass, paper, metals, organics, and e-waste, encouraging them to apply their understanding of physical and chemical properties. This immersive experience will set the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Students will host a "Waste Management Fair" inviting the middle school community to explore their infographics and engage with interactive stations showcasing separation techniques and current waste management technologies. Each group will present their findings on a specific type of municipal waste, highlighting innovative solutions and sustainable practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback and participate in discussions on how the community can implement these strategies to reduce waste and enhance environmental health.