Search the site

Elementary school classroom presentations

Garbage and recycling  ›  Resources for schools  ›  Elementary school resources  ›  Classroom presentations

Metro's classroom presentations for grades one to five teach students about waste prevention and recycling, natural resources, composting and alternatives to toxics.

Each presentation lasts approximately 45 minutes. To schedule presentations, call Freda Sherburne at 503-797-1522 or email freda.sherburne@oregonmetro.gov.

Compost in the Classroom

For grades 1-5. Students learn that composting, nature's way of recycling, creates a beneficial soil amendment that is easy to make at home. A hands-on look at life in the worm bin engages students' observation skills and creates excitement for reducing the amount of garbage sent to landfills.

Bugged by Pesticides

For grades 4 and 5. Healthy yards and gardens are good for people, pets and wildlife. Students play a game that illustrates how chemicals we use in our gardens can affect animals in the food chain and learn to make safe choices at home that reduce harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Earth Choices

For grades 4 and 5. Just how much land and resources does it take to support our lifestyle? Through exploration about natural resources, students are introduced to the idea of "Earth footprints." In this presentation, we will incorporate facts and findings with practical solutions on how to reduce our impact on the earth.

Resources and Recycling

For grades 1 to 3. Students learn the origins of commonly recycled items such as paper, plastic and glass and how the three R's help conserve resources and reduce waste.

Investigating Packaging

For grades 4 and 5. Discover the purposes and benefits of packaging as well as the environmental impacts. In a hands-on investigation, students compare packaging options and learn to make choices that conserve natural resources and decrease the amount of waste headed to landfills.