Factors such as increasing environmental degradation, population growth, production and consumption activities, and deforestation in recent years have brought global climate change to the agenda of the whole world. In order to limit global climate change, the idea of sustainable development has been put forward. With sustainable development , it is aimed to use the current resources of the world by taking into account the needs of future generations and to ensure the sustainability of life on earth. One of the fields that will contribute to sustainable development is recycling. Recycling reduces the use of natural resources and saves energy. In this activity, it is aimed that students distinguish recyclable materials, realize the environmental and economic benefits of recycling, and develop critical thinking, analytical thinking and problem solving skills. The starting point of our activity is to raise awareness so that students throw their papers in the recycling bins instead of throwing them away at school . For this purpose, the students collected their own waste paper and recycled paper was made in the laboratory.

Duration: 120 minutes

Age: 13-14 years

Lesson Event

At the beginning of the lesson, the students were shown the recycling symbol via the smart board, and their attention was drawn to the subject by asking what this symbol means. Students have previously used this symbol in textbooks, internet, TV, newspaper, magazine, etc. they easily answered “recycle” as you might have seen it in the sources. Short-term brainstorming was done by asking the students on which products this symbol is used and why it is important.

A classroom discussion was held by asking the students about the environmental benefits of recycling. The discussion then continued about the economic benefits of recycling.

• air pollution at the rate of 74-94%
• water pollution at the rate of 35%
• water use is 45%

They were reminded of the information that 1 ton of waste paper prevents 17 trees from being cut down.

At this stage, the students were asked how the paper recycling process could be simple. We focused on what stages the paper goes through during recycling. A classroom discussion was held about how we can make our own paper from used waste paper. Then, together with the students, we moved on to the paper making activity, which was prepared one day in advance.

Activity

Materials:

• Wooden frame (an old photo frame)
• A net with fine holes (insect screen)
• Large basin
• Blender
• Sponge
• Cloth (an old towel)

Preliminary Preparation of the Event:

One week before this lesson, students are given home-use tests, homework, etc. I told them to bring the photocopy papers to school. The day before the lesson, we cut the used papers into small pieces with the students and put them in a bucket full of water and wet them. This process allowed the papers to soak in water for a day and soften.

Making the Activity:

1. We stretched and glued the fine mesh wire inside the photo frame.

2. We shredded the pieces of paper we had soaked the day before with a blender and turned them into pulp.

3. We mixed the pulp by throwing it into a basin full of water.

4. We dipped the wire frame into the pulp bowl and let the pulp accumulate on the frame.

5. We took the frame out of the basin and kept it on an old towel.

6. We pressed a sponge on the frame so that it absorbed the excess water in the dough.

7. We let our paper dry for two days, then our recycled paper was ready.

Result

The students were asked how the properties of recycled papers such as durability, flexibility, writing and drawing are like. At this stage, I asked the students to examine the paper. It was reminded that the recycling process of paper in paper recycling factories is similar to the experiment. Students are made to realize that waste paper is not garbage, but is a raw material for making new paper. Awareness is created by asking students how much waste paper is thrown into the paper collection boxes at school and how much is thrown into the trash cans.