Classroom Presentations Grades 7–12

Kitsap County Solid Waste Division offers free, high-quality, interactive presentations to educate 7th - 12th grade students about:

Recycling • Composting • Sustainability • Waste reduction
Solid waste management • Hazardous household products

To schedule any of the presentations listed below, contact 
Jo Meints at 360-337-4568

Colorimetric Testing Kits

Target age group: 7th-12th grade
Length: 60-90 minutes

Students use kits to test water or soil for nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, pH or iron. Students learn that at certain concentrations, these compounds are beneficial to soil and plants. However, overuse or improper use of fertilizers and weed and feed products can adversely impact water quality and foster growth of nuisance weeds and algal blooms in and around surface waters. The kits work well to monitor seasonal changes in water or soil chemistry.

Household Hazardous Waste Impacts on Soil and Water Biology   

Target age group: 7th-12th grade
Length: 60–90 minutes

Using well slides, students expose microscopic life to varying concentrations of common household hazardous products, then observe behavioral changes compared to control (untreated) slides. This lesson provides reinforcement for the importance of proper management of household hazardous waste, as improper use of these products can negatively impact biological life at the foundation of any ecosystem.

Science 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2
Communications 1.1, 1.2
Social Studies: Geography 3.1, 3.2
Health and Fitness 3.1, 3.2
Social Studies: History 2.2

Groundwater Model 

Target age group: 7th-12th grade
Length: 60–90 minutes

This presentation uses a cross-section model to demonstrate how soils, groundwater, and surface waters are all connected. The model also shows how contaminants (i.e. from improper management of household hazardous waste) can be transported to groundwater and surface water supplies. Contamination events are simulated, reinforcing how human activities on the planet’s surface can negatively impact soil and groundwater supplies.

Science 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2
Communications 1.1, 1.2
Social Studies: Geography 3.1, 3.3

Toxic Bingo 

Target age group: 7th-9th grade
Length: 60 minutes

After examining labels of common household products, safer alternatives are discussed and played out through a game fashioned after BINGO.

Communications 1.1, 1.2
Social Studies: Geography 3.1, 3.2
Health and Fitness 2.3, 3.1

Using Nature to Clean the Environment 

Target age group: 7th-12th grade
Length: 60–90 minutes

Students participate in hands-on activities demonstrating how some common contaminants (i.e. heavy metals, oil) can be removed from soil and water using plants or natural bacteria.

Science 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2
Communications 1.1, 1.2

The Consumption Connection 

Target age group:  7th-12th grade
Length: 60 minutes

How do our lifestyles affect the quality of the earth’s environment? Learn about the time, energy, and natural resources that go into making an everyday product, and what we can do to help create a more sustainable future through careful consumption.

Science 3.2
Mathematics 1.1, 1.2
Social Studies: Civics 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
Social Studies: Economics 1.1, 1.2, 2.1
Social Studies: Geography 3.1, 3.2

Lead the Way 

Target age group: 7th-12th grade
Length: 2 sessions of 60 minutes

Classes learn how to properly sort recyclables and brainstorm recycling opportunities within their school. Activities may include skits, making posters, or intercom announcements. Classes conduct a waste audit of their school and learn about potential cost savings as a result of waste reduction.

Communications 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
Writing 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2
Mathematics 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3,4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2, 5.3
Social Studies: Geography 3.1
The Arts 2.1, 3.1, 3.2
Science 3.2

Face the Waste 

Target age group:  7th-12th grade
Length: 60–90 minutes

Students are introduced to solid waste management strategies including waste reduction/recycling, landfilling, and incineration. Students assume different roles within a simulated town meeting where they will debate their viewpoints to arrive at a plan that’s best for the community.

Science 3.2
Communications 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.2
Social Studies: Civics 1.3, 4.1, 4.3
Social Studies: Economics 1.1
Social Studies: Geography 3.1, 3.2
The Arts 3.2
Health and Fitness 3.1, 3.3, 3.4
Reading 2.4, 3.1

Kitsap County Public Works
Solid Waste Division
(360) 337-5777 or (800) 825-4940
solidwaste@co.kitsap.wa.us