1. Make Recycled Paper:
- Gather scrap paper, water, a blender or food processor, a mold or cookie sheet, and a rolling pin.
- Tear or cut the scrap paper into small pieces.
- Blend the paper pieces with water until it becomes a pulp.
- Pour the pulp into the mold or cookie sheet and spread it out evenly.
- Use the rolling pin to flatten the pulp and remove excess water.
- Let the paper dry completely.
- Observe and compare the texture, color, and quality of the recycled paper with the original paper.
2. Plastic Bottle Greenhouse:
- Collect plastic bottles, soil, seeds, and a sunny spot outdoors.
- Cut the plastic bottles in half horizontally to create two parts - the top (with the neck) and the bottom.
- Fill the bottom part of the bottle with soil and plant seeds.
- Attach the top part of the bottle upside-down onto the bottom part to form a greenhouse.
- Place the greenhouse in a sunny location and observe the growth of the plant.
- Compare the growth rate of plants in the greenhouse with plants grown in open air.
3. Recycled Art Project:
- Gather various recyclable materials such as cardboard, plastic containers, bottle caps, old magazines, and other craft supplies.
- Use these materials to create an art project, such as a sculpture, collage, or mosaic.
- Display the artwork and discuss the importance of recycling and creative reuse.
4. Composting Investigation:
- Set up two compost bins, one with organic waste (such as fruit peels, egg shells, tea bags) and the other with non-organic waste (such as plastic, metal, paper).
- Keep the compost bins in a warm and shady area and turn them regularly.
- Observe and compare the rate of decomposition in both compost bins.
- Test the pH levels and nutrient content of the compost and assess its suitability for fertilizing plants.
5. Upcycling Challenge:
- Collect various recyclable items such as tin cans, cardboard boxes, glass jars, and plastic containers.
- Brainstorm and create new and useful products out of these recycled materials, such as pencil holders, storage boxes, or decorative items.
- Showcase the upcycled products and discuss the benefits of turning waste into valuable resources.