5th Grade  Project 10 weeks

Trash to Treasure: Crafty Creations Marketplace

Gayden S
3-5.AF.4.1
VA:Re7.1.5a
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10
CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.A.2
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.5
+ 11 more
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Purpose

This project aims to inspire students to creatively repurpose waste materials into valuable products, fostering environmental stewardship and community engagement. By collaborating with local partners, students will gain insights into waste management and sustainability practices. Through hands-on crafting and reflection, they will develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a sense of ownership over their learning and contribution to the community. The project culminates in an exhibition where students showcase their creations, highlighting their understanding of the impact of upcycling on reducing landfill waste.

Learning goals

Students will explore innovative ways to repurpose waste materials into functional and artistic products, enhancing their understanding of sustainability and environmental impact. They will develop skills in data representation by tracking patterns and relationships in their upcycling projects, using graphs and tables. Through collaboration with community partners, students will strengthen their communication and problem-solving abilities, while reflecting on their learning journey through writing. The project will culminate in an exhibition where students present their creations to family, school, and community, showcasing their growth in self-directed learning and academic mindset.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] 3-5.AF.4.1 - Represent data in tables and/or various graphical displays (bar graphs, pictographs and/or pie charts) to reveal patterns that indicate relationships.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Re7.1.5a - Compare one’s own interpretation of a work of art with the interpretation of others.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.A.2 - Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.5 - Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Practice.MP8 - Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] MU:Pr4.2.5.a - Demonstrate understanding of the structure and the elements of music (such as rhythm, pitch, form, and harmony) in music selected for performance.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.6 - Acquire and use accurately a range of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases sufficient for reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the college and career readiness level; demonstrate independence in gathering vocabulary knowledge when encountering an unknown term important to comprehension or expression.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.9 - Compare and contrast stories in the same genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on their approaches to similar themes and topics.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.5 - Compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more texts.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Students will create a diverse range of upcycled craft products, such as decorative items, functional household goods, and artistic pieces, using materials that would otherwise be discarded. These products will be designed to meet community needs and reflect individual creativity, ensuring they are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Throughout the project, students will engage in iterative design processes, receiving feedback from peers and community partners to refine their creations before presenting them at a community exhibition.

Launch

Begin the project with an engaging talk from representatives of the Honolulu City and County Refuse Department, who will discuss the importance of waste management and share inspiring examples of upcycled products. Following the talk, students will explore a curated collection of artifacts made from trash, sparking curiosity and creativity. This launch activity will set the stage for students to brainstorm ideas for their own upcycled creations, while emphasizing the impact of their work on the community.

Exhibition

Students will host a community showcase where they present their upcycled products to families, peers, and local community members. The exhibition will feature interactive stations where students explain their creative process, demonstrate the functionality of their items, and discuss the environmental impact of their work. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase the crafted items, with proceeds supporting local environmental initiatives. This event will encourage students to communicate effectively, reflect on their learning journey, and celebrate their achievements in transforming waste into valuable products.