Residents and teachers in the Solid Waste District (located in Franklin County, Massachusetts) can borrow the curricula and materials listed below by calling (413)-772-2438 or emailing: info@franklincountywastedistrict.org. Most of the curricula contain easy-to-photocopy activity and learning sheets, as well as complete background information to successfully complete projects. The activities are intended to be used in conjunction with everyday school curricula. They are well designed for use as single lessons in order to be most adaptable to individual teaching needs.

Recycling and Solid Waste

The Hazard House Workbook
Workbook and activities about household chemicals, safety awareness and alternatives. For pre-school and young elementary.

Composting

Composting Across the Curriculum: A Teacher’s Guide to Composting
Provides complete background information on how to connect composting to science, social science, and other ongoing school curriculum. Includes information on soil and decomposition and other waste issues. Contains 21 accompanying hands-on activities for students. Applicable for elementary and middle-school ages.

Worms Eat Our Garbage: Classroom Activities for a Better Environment
Curriculum for home, school and outdoor centers, integrating earthworm activities with soil science, plant growth studies and ecological issues. Appropriate for grades 4-8 (and above), in all disciplines. Hands-on activities are easily photocopied; background information and activity answers are provided.

The Wonderful World of Wigglers
All about worms – making the connections between soil ecology, growing food, and our communities. Includes hands-on activities on how to build a worm bin, raising worms for compost, and worm activities. Applicable for K-6 grades in all disciplines. 

Backyard Composting
A step-by-step guide to composting. For all ages. 

Other

The District also has numerous other educational activities on a range of solid waste issues, for all ages and disciplines. A listing of current websites on solid waste issues and environmental education is available. Many of these websites have free curricula, lessons, and educational activities that can be downloaded. Additionally, District staff can provide instruction and presentations for students. District staff can assist schools in recycling and composting programs, planning environmental science fairs, Earth Day activities, “trash Olympics,” “tour de trash” field trips, “scrap art” contests, and other environmental education learning and fun activities. Activities and District assistance are available to area schools, student groups and clubs, troops, after-school programs and outdoor schools.