Creative Recycling

A Cooperative Game

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Materials:

scissors

playing cards

scorecards

watch or clock with second hand

recycling chips

Number of players:
2-4 teams of 2-4 players each

To set up the game:
printout all pages for each group of students playing the game. Cut out the scorecards, recycling chips, and playing cards. Divide children into teams of 2-4 players, and provide each team with a scorecard. Place the chips in a pile where all players can reach them. Shuffle the playing cards and place them face down in a pile where all players can reach them.

To play the game:
Teams of players will take turns drawing playing cards that name different pieces of trash. The team should then try to brainstorm a way to recycle the item. For example, students might suggest that a shoe box could be used as a gift box or as a container to hold art supplies. Each team should be allowed one minute to brainstorm a use (an opposing team can watch the time). If the team is able to come up with an idea about how to recycle the item in the allotted time, it can take a recycling chip and place it on one letter in the word "recycle" on its scorecard. The first team to cover all 7 letters on its scorecard wins. After students exhaust the pile of playing cards, they can shuffle them and use them again. However, teams are not allowed to repeat an idea for how to recycle a given item, which will make play more difficult as the game proceeds.

Extension:
Encourage children to record the ideas they come up with while playing the game. Have children share their ideas with other groups playing the game. Try to implement some of the students' ideas.

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