From puppet shows and relay races, to tabletop models and PowerPoint presentations or tours at the landfill, the Waste Trac Education Team can offer an engaging, hands-on experience for your learners. PreK-12th grade teachers, scout leaders, and program coordinators can choose from a wide variety of youth education presentations.
Click on the grade (below) to view youth education activities available:
The following youth education programs are suitable to Preschool and Kindergarten aged children. Each program lasts from 30 – 45 minutes. We prefer to visit each class individually, but can schedule multiple sessions to accommodate the other classrooms too.
Composting ABC’s
Kids will learn the recipe for backyard compost by reading Compost A to Z: A Recipe for the Earth. Then students will play a matching game with pretend compost ingredients!
Composting with Redworms
Start the program with a puppet show that explains the various jobs of worms! We will bring our worm bin into your class and show how worms compost our fruit, vegetable, and paper scraps. Your little scientists will “dig in” and use magnifying glasses to explore the world of a composting worm.
Garbage Monster
After reading the story, The Garbage Monster, the teacher will dress up one of the students with our pretend garbage props. The rest of the class can then take a turn “shrinking the garbage monster” through composting, recycling, and reusing.
Litter Red Riding Hood
One of the students and a Waste Trac educator will act out the skit Litter Red Riding Hood, about a girl who goes on a picnic in the woods and makes a huge mess! The friendly wolf teaches Litter Red Riding Hood about the word litter and shows her which parts of her lunch can be recycled & composted and which items need to go in the garbage can. Following the story, the students will learn how to pack a low-waste picnic.
Michael Recycle
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a green-caped crusader! After the story Michael Recycle, the students will wear a green super hero cape and fly across the room to recycle household items into the simple categories of paper, cardboard, metal, and plastic.
Where Does Your Garbage Go?
Mr. Gilly in the story, Trashy Town, likes to “dump in it, smash it down, and drive around the trashy town”. The group will discuss the basics of trash collection and the students will see pictures of garbage trucks at the county landfill. After the story, students will pretend to be a trash collector as they complete their garbage scavenger hunt worksheet.
The following youth education programs are suitable to First and Second grade children. Each program lasts from 30 – 45 minutes, unless noted. We prefer to visit one classroom per session, but will schedule multiple sessions during our visit to accommodate the other classrooms at your grade level.
Composting ABC’s
Kids will learn the recipe for backyard compost by reading Compost A to Z: A Recipe for the Earth. Then students will play a matching game with pretend compost ingredients!
Composting with Redworms
We will bring our worm bin into your class and show how worms compost our fruit, vegetable, and paper scraps. Your scientists will learn about the life cycle of a worm, “dig in” to identify the worms’ snacks, and use magnifying glasses to look at worm anatomy.
Garbage Monster
After reading the story, The Garbage Monster, the teacher will dress up one of the students with our pretend garbage props. The rest of the class can then take a turn “shrinking the garbage monster” through composting, recycling, and reusing.
Give a Cheer For Reuse
After reading the Old Red Rocking Chair, students will understand that it takes different skills to reuse, repair, and repurpose old items. After a “Reuse Show and Tell” students will play games made from junk, such as pop bottle bowling, cereal box puzzles, and many more!
Guided Landfill Tours (Field Trip!)
During your walking tour at the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill (in rural Waterloo) we will watch garbage trucks in action, see a variety of items at the small loads area and compost site, and learn about the technology and environmental protections that are put in place to protect us and the environment from our waste.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Picnic Activity
This active program will get kids hopping on a picnic blanket, sorting out picnic items that are either disposable, durable, or compostable. We will also talk about ways to pack a low-waste lunch.
Waste Race
There are lots of ways to shrink your garbage. Get students moving in this fast paced recycling relay race! Students will classify items into categories, including: recyclable, compostable, redeemable, reusable, and actual trash and race to place (clean) waste items in the correct bins! *Large spaces or the gym work great for this program.
What Are Things Made From?
Yes, we purchase items at the store, but which Earth resources are used to make plastic, paper, cans, cereal, wool, and other everyday items? After reading, What Cried Granny, an Almost Bedtime Story, the students will be able to match up the natural resource to the end product.
The following youth education programs are suitable to Third and Fourth grade students. Each program lasts from 30 – 45 minutes, unless noted. We prefer to visit one classroom per session, but will schedule multiple sessions during our visit to accommodate the other classrooms at your grade level.
Character Counts; Squash Litterbugs! (Great for Scouts and After School Clubs)
Being a good citizen means doing your share. Kids of character know that part of being a good neighbor is to put litter in the proper place. We will conduct a litter cleanup on school grounds or a nearby park. If time allows, we can also read a story about litter.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Composting ABC’s
Kids will learn the recipe for backyard compost by reading Compost A to Z: A Recipe for the Earth. Then students will play a matching game with pretend compost ingredients!
Everything Comes From Something
In this program, students will learn that everyday items started as earth ingredients. After reading the story Agatha’s Feather Bed; Not Just Another Wild Goose Story, students will learn what glass, steel, paper, plastic, and other products are made from.
Green School
Working in groups of three or four, the students will search a Where’s Waldo type poster to find positive changes that a fictitious school has made to be more sustainable. Students will search the various rooms and grounds of the campus for examples such as rain gardens, composting, reusable lunch trays, recycled-content paper, and more.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Guided Landfill Tours (Field Trip!)
During your walking tour at the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill (in rural Waterloo) we will watch garbage trucks in action, see a variety of items at the small loads area and compost site, and learn about the technology and environmental protections that are put in place to protect us and the environment from our waste.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Landfill Model
The Enviroscape 3-D model demonstrates how modern sanitary landfills differ in operation compared to the trash dumps of the past. We’ll also discuss how the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill is designed and how water monitoring and the leachate collection system are in place to protect groundwater.
* This activity works better for small groups (half of the class). Depending on your class size, it may be best to pair this activity with the Virtual Landfill Tour or Waste Race. If pairing activities, we would prefer 45-60 minutes total.
Mini Recycling Center
Students use their imagination and get to work sorting recyclables on our portable tabletop recycling unit. Our kid-powered conveyor simulates how recyclable materials are sorted in a recycling facility (by humans and magnets). Discuss how these materials are baled for market and what goods they are transformed into.
**An adult will need to assist with unloading/loading this large case from the Waste Trac vehicle and navigating any stairs to get the equipment to the classroom.
* This activity works better for small groups (half of the class). Depending on your class size, it may be best to pair this activity with the Waste Race or a short video and recycled content products. If pairing activities, we would prefer 45-60 minutes total.
Picnic Activity
This active program will get kids hopping on a picnic blanket, sorting out picnic items that are either disposable, durable, or compostable. We will also talk about ways to pack a low-waste lunch.
Vermicomposting (Composting with Redworms!)
We will bring our worm bin into your class and show how Redworms can compost our fruit, vegetable, and paper scraps. Your scientists will learn about the life cycle of a worm, “dig in” to identify the worms’ food sources, and use magnifying glasses to look at worm anatomy. Students will work in groups at different worm activity stations.
Virtual Landfill Tour
Want to learn about the landfill, but don’t have the time or bus funds to visit? Invite Waste Trac to visit your school to present a PowerPoint to learn about: the four leading categories of garbage headed to Iowa landfills, landfill construction and technology, banned items, and appliance & tire recycling. See photos of the small loads area, scale house, and the landfill cell.
Waste Race
There are lots of ways to shrink your garbage. Get students moving in this fast paced recycling relay race! Students will classify items into categories, including: recyclable, compostable, redeemable, reusable, and actual trash and race to place (clean) waste items in the correct bins! *Large spaces or the gym work great for this program.
Water Bottle Tales
Plastic has invaded our everyday life, but do students know what resources are used or how plastic is made? Read the silly cartoon story The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle and stretch out a water bottle chain to see how many plastic bottles the average American uses (and how few are recycled each year). See some amazing products (such as teddy bears) that can be made from plastic bottles – IF we recycle them!
The following programs are suitable to Fifth and Sixth grade students. Each program lasts from 30 – 45 minutes, unless noted. We prefer to visit one classroom per session, but will schedule multiple sessions during our visit to accommodate the other classrooms at your grade level.
Character Counts; Squash Litterbugs! (Great for Scouts and After School Clubs)
Being a good citizen means doing your share. Kids of character know that part of being a good neighbor is to put litter in the proper place. We will conduct a litter cleanup on school grounds or a nearby park. If time allows, we can also read a story about litter.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Green School
Working in groups of three or four, the students will search a Where’s Waldo type poster to find positive changes that a fictitious school has made to be more sustainable. Students will search the various rooms and grounds of the campus for examples such as rain gardens, composting, reusable lunch trays, recycled-content paper, and more.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Green Shopping
There are many choices to make at the store, but we’ll look for environmentally friendly products at our pretend retail store. What is the packaging made from? Is the packaging recyclable? Are the products toxic? Are the products energy efficient? Students will also learn about renewable vs. nonrenewable resources while rotating through shopping stations set up in the classroom.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Guided Landfill Tours (Field Trip!)
During your walking tour at the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill (in rural Waterloo) we will watch garbage trucks in action, see a variety of items at the small loads area and compost site, and learn about the technology and environmental protections that are put in place to protect us and the environment from our waste.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Landfill Model
The Enviroscape 3-D model demonstrates how modern sanitary landfills differ in operation compared to the trash dumps of the past. We’ll also discuss how the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill is designed and how water monitoring and the leachate collection system are in place to protect groundwater.
* This activity works better for small groups (half of the class). Depending on your class size, it may be best to pair this activity with the Virtual Landfill Tour or Waste Race. If pairing activities, we would prefer 45-60 minutes total.
Life in the Compost Bin!
Complete with costumes, students will act out the various creatures and ingredients that are necessary for a healthy backyard compost pile. Students will learn that a compost bin is an ecosystem in itself, full of predators and prey. They will learn that gardeners use a compost recipe and aim for a balance of greens (Nitrogen) and browns (Carbon). (45 – 60 minutes)
Mini Recycling Center
Students use their imagination and get to work sorting recyclables on our portable tabletop recycling unit. Our kid-powered conveyor simulates how recyclable materials are sorted in a recycling facility (by humans and magnets). Discuss how these materials are baled for market and what goods they are transformed into.
**An adult will need to assist with unloading/loading this large case from the Waste Trac vehicle and navigating any stairs to get the equipment to the classroom.
* This activity works better for small groups (half of the class). Depending on your class size, it may be best to pair this activity with the Waste Race or a short video and recycled content products. If pairing activities, we would prefer 45-60 minutes total.
Throw-away Society Skit
Through a group reading activity, students will learn how humans have dealt with garbage throughout history. We’ll make a few props and costumes, get into character, and put on our skit. After the show, the students will offer their predictions for how solid waste will be managed in the future.
(60 minutes)
Vermicomposting (Composting with Redworms!)
We will bring our worm bin into your class and show how Redworms can compost our fruit, vegetable, and paper scraps. Your scientists will learn about the life cycle of a worm, “dig in” to identify the worms’ food sources, and use magnifying glasses to look at worm anatomy. Students will work in groups at different worm activity stations.
Virtual Landfill Tour
Want to learn about the landfill, but don’t have the time or bus funds to visit? Invite Waste Trac to visit your school to present a PowerPoint to learn about: the four leading categories of garbage headed to Iowa landfills, landfill construction and technology, banned items, and appliance & tire recycling. See photos of the small loads area, scale house, and the landfill cell.
Waste Race
There are lots of ways to shrink your garbage. Get students moving in this fast paced recycling relay race! Students will classify items into categories, including: recyclable, compostable, redeemable, reusable, and actual trash and race to place (clean) waste items in the correct bins! *Large spaces or the gym work great for this program.
Water Bottle Tales
Plastic has invaded our everyday life, but do students know what resources are used or how plastic is made? Read the silly cartoon story The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle and stretch out a water bottle chain to see how many plastic bottles the average American uses (and how few are recycled each year). See some amazing products (such as teddy bears) that can be made from plastic bottles – IF we recycle them!
The following youth education programs are suitable to Middle School aged students. Each program lasts from 30 – 45 minutes, unless noted. We prefer to visit one classroom per session, but will schedule multiple sessions during our visit to accommodate any other class sections.
Cedar Valley Waste Tour (Field trip to various locations!)
Students can learn where both their solid and sewer waste ends up. Visit the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill, waste water facilities of Waterloo or Cedar Falls and/or a local recycling processor to see how various types of wastes are managed in the Cedar Valley. The Waste Trac Education Team will coordinate the tours; teachers will need to arrange school permission slips and busing. All students MUST wear closed-toed shoes (no sandals).
*This field trip will include a Guided Landfill Tour and 1 or 2 other locations, depending on the amount of time your group has available.
(2 – 3 hours)
Green Shopping
There are many choices to make at the store, but we’ll look for environmentally friendly products at our pretend retail store. What is the packaging made from? Is the packaging recyclable? Are the products toxic? Are the products energy efficient? Students will also learn about renewable vs. nonrenewable resources while rotating through shopping stations set up in the classroom.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Guided Landfill Tours (Field Trip!)
During your walking tour at the Black Hawk County Landfill (in rural Waterloo) we will watch garbage trucks in action, see a variety of items at the small loads area and compost site, and learn about the technology and environmental protections that are put in place to protect us and the environment from our waste.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Landfill Model
The Enviroscape 3-D model demonstrates how modern sanitary landfills differ in operation compared to the trash dumps of the past. We’ll also discuss how the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill is designed and how water monitoring and the leachate collection system are in place to protect groundwater.
* This activity works better for small groups (half of the class). Depending on your class size, it may be best to pair this activity with the Virtual Landfill Tour or Waste Race. If pairing activities, we would prefer 45-60 minutes total.
Life in the Compost Bin!
Complete with costumes, students will act out the various creatures and ingredients that are necessary for a healthy backyard compost pile. Students will learn that a compost bin is an ecosystem in itself, full of predators and prey. They will learn that gardeners use a compost recipe and aim for a balance of greens (Nitrogen) and browns (Carbon). (45 – 60 minutes)
Mini Recycling Center
Students use their imagination and get to work sorting recyclables on our portable tabletop recycling unit. Our kid-powered conveyor simulates recyclable materials being sorted in a recycling facility (by humans and magnets). Discuss how these materials are baled for market and what goods they are transformed into.
**An adult will need to assist with unloading/loading this large case from the Waste Trac vehicle and navigating any stairs to get the equipment to the classroom.
* This activity works better for small groups (half of the class). Depending on your class size, it may be best to pair this activity with the Waste Race or a short video and recycled content products. If pairing activities, we would prefer 45-60 minutes total.
Vermicomposting (Composting with Redworms!)
We will bring our worm bin into your class and show how Redworms can compost our fruit, vegetable, and paper scraps. Your scientists will learn about the life cycle of a worm, “dig in” to identify the worms’ food sources, and use magnifying glasses to look at worm anatomy. Students will work in groups at different worm activity stations.
Virtual Landfill Tour
Want to learn about the landfill, but don’t have the time or bus funds to visit? Invite Waste Trac to visit your school to present a PowerPoint to learn about: the four leading categories of garbage headed to Iowa landfills, landfill construction and technology, banned items, and appliance & tire recycling. See photos of the small loads area, scale house, and the landfill cell.
Waste Race
There are lots of ways to shrink your garbage. Get students moving in this fast paced recycling relay race! Students will classify items into categories, including: recyclable, compostable, redeemable, reusable, and actual trash and race to place (clean) waste items in the correct bins! *Large spaces or the gym work great for this program
The following youth education programs are suitable to High School aged students. Each program lasts from 30 – 45 minutes, unless noted. We prefer to visit one classroom per session, but can schedule multiple sessions during our visit to accommodate any other class sections.
Cedar Valley Waste Tour (Field trip to various locations!)
Students can learn where both their solid and sewer waste ends up. Visit the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill, waste water facilities of Waterloo or Cedar Falls and/or a local recycling processor to see how various types of wastes are managed in the Cedar Valley. The Waste Trac Education Team will coordinate the tours; teachers will need to arrange school permission slips and busing. All students MUST wear closed-toed shoes (no sandals).
*This field trip will include a Guided Landfill Tour and 1 or 2 other locations, depending on the amount of time your group has available.
(2 – 3 hours)
Green Shopping
There are many choices to make at the store, but we’ll look for environmentally friendly products at our pretend retail store. What is the packaging made from? Is the packaging recyclable? Are the products toxic? Are the products energy efficient? Students will also learn about renewable vs. nonrenewable resources while rotating through shopping stations set up in the classroom.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Guided Landfill Tours (Field Trip!)
During your walking tour at the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill (in rural Waterloo) we will watch garbage trucks in action, see a variety of items at the small loads area and compost site, and learn about the technology and environmental protections that are put in place to protect us and the environment from our waste.
(45 – 60 minutes)
Landfill Model
The Enviroscape 3-D model demonstrates how modern sanitary landfills differ in operation compared to the trash dumps of the past. We’ll also discuss how the Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill is designed and how water monitoring and the leachate collection system are in place to protect groundwater.
* This activity works better for small groups (half of the class). Depending on your class size, it may be best to pair this activity with the Virtual Landfill Tour or Waste Race. If pairing activities, we would prefer 45-60 minutes total.
Mini Recycling Center
Students use their imagination and get to work sorting recyclables on our portable tabletop recycling unit. Our kid-powered conveyor simulates recyclable materials being sorted in a recycling facility (by humans and magnets). Discuss how these materials are baled for market and what goods they are transformed into.
**An adult will need to assist with unloading/loading this large case from the Waste Trac vehicle and navigating any stairs to get the equipment to the classroom.
* This activity works better for small groups (half of the class). Depending on your class size, it may be best to pair this activity with the Waste Race or a short video and recycled content products. If pairing activities, we would prefer 45-60 minutes total.
Recipe for Your Compost Bin!
A short PowerPoint presentation will be followed by hands-on activity explaining the various creatures and ingredients that are necessary for a healthy backyard compost pile. Students will learn that a compost bin is an ecosystem in itself, full of predators and prey. They will learn that gardeners use a compost recipe and aim for a balance of greens (Nitrogen) and browns (Carbon). (45 – 60 minutes)
Vermicomposting (Composting with Redworms!)
We will bring our worm bin into your class and show how Redworms can compost our fruit, vegetable, and paper scraps. Your scientists will learn about the life cycle of a worm, “dig in” to identify the worms’ food sources, and use magnifying glasses to look at worm anatomy. Students will work in groups at different worm activity stations.
Virtual Landfill Tour
Want to learn about the landfill, but don’t have the time or bus funds to visit? Invite Waste Trac to visit your school to present a PowerPoint to learn about: the four leading categories of garbage headed to Iowa landfills, landfill construction and technology, banned items, and appliance & tire recycling. See photos of the small loads area, scale house, and the landfill cell.
Waste Race
There are lots of ways to shrink your garbage. Get students moving in this fast paced recycling relay race! Students will classify items into categories, including: recyclable, compostable, redeemable, reusable, and actual trash and race to place (clean) waste items in the correct bins! *Large spaces or the gym work great for this program.
