Our Generation Zero Waste Activity Kits include lesson plans and materials for an activity with approximately 30 youth. These kits are a great add-on for sustainability lessons, perfect for use with a substitute teacher, and work well with non-traditional learning and youth groups.

Once you request a kit, our educators will coordinate a time for you to pick up the Activity Kits from the Keep Austin Beautiful office. After your event, please return the Activity Kits, fill out our Report Form, and send your photos to our education team to share your success.

Generation Zero Waste Activity Kits

Recycle Relay (K-5)

Students race to sort various materials between trash and recycling, learning about single-stream recycling and where trash ends up.

Compost Critters (K-5)

Explore the science of compost and vermicomposting! Learn how worms turn food into soil. (Option to check out a worm bin with your kit or to draw a “superworm” as an alternate activity).

What’s in the Hole? (K-5)

Landfill science for elementary age kids. Students will build mini landfill models while comparing and contrasting the characteristics of waste, what’s in our trash, and how trash is processed in a landfill.

Insect Investigation (K-5)

Collect, observe, and identify insects and their characteristics. Students identify the various stages of an insect’s lifecycle, and explore the role of bugs in gardens and compost piles.

Litter Lifeline (3-8)

Students will explore the most common types of litter, consider the question of why litter happens, and learn how long it takes for litter to decompose.

Landfill Logic (6-12)

Students will explore landfill science by building mini landfill models, comparing and contrasting the characteristics of waste, what’s in our trash, and how trash is processed in a landfill. 

Waste Audit (6-12)

Perform an audit of your waste to learn more about types of waste generated, amounts, and areas for improvement. Students will audit several bags of waste, record and graph the results, and compare their sample to national data. This lesson can precede or follow a more in-depth look at landfills, recycling processes, and compost systems.

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