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Primary school waste education program

kNOw Waste^TM Education Program

Would you like to improve knowledge of waste and sustainability at your primary school or pre-school? Join this free Council program to inspire your students to become 'Waste Warriors!' 

To make a booking for FY2022, please contact Cleanaway at education.nsw@cleanaway.com.au or 0466 487 315

What is the kNOw Waste^TM Program?

The kNOw Waste^TM program provides education on the concepts of sustainable waste management and how waste can impact the environment. Our aim is to foster sustainable habits for life. It is suitable for pre-schoolers, years K - 6 or school environmental groups and can be tailored to fit your school’s requirements.

What kNOw Waste^TM modules are available?

Choose from the following modules available for free in FY2022:

For pre-schools and primary schools

• Binwise: This introductory module outlines how students can use their Council provided bins correctly and provide ways they can manage their waste sustainably. ES1 – S3
• Nature's Recyclers: Discover how to recycle organic waste found in our waste stream. Learn about the conditions and creatures found in compost bins and worm farms that are part of nature’s recycling process.

For primary schools

• Sustainable Shopping: Help your students become sustainable shoppers by developing their understanding of packaging logos and fostering lifelong waste avoidance behaviours. S2 + S3
• Ocean Plastics: Explore the issue and impacts of plastic pollution and discuss solutions to care for the environment.
• Materials Matter: Discover the materials and processes that make our common recyclables and how we can close the loop by recycling right. S2 + S3

How is kNOw Waste^TM delivered in schools?

The evolving COVID-19 situation requires flexibility and we are pleased to offer two methods for delivering the program in your primary school:

• kNOw Waste^TM Incursion: Educational, fun, and interactive workshops are delivered by qualified environmental educators which can be tailored to fit in with the length of class periods at your school. The incursions include industry-specific videos and props as well as collaborative-learning games.
• ‘kNOw Waste^TM Warriors’ Webinar Program: The ‘kNOw Waste Warriors’ Webinar Program is available to schools who are not accepting visitors, or who would prefer to conduct an education program online. The webinars include interactive and engaging activities, games, videos, polls, Q and A’s, and quizzes.

kNOw Waste^TM and the School Curriculum

Cross-curriculum Priorities: Sustainability
This program supports this cross-curriculum priority by educating students about the global issue of waste management and develops the concept of waste management as an integral part of sustainable development. Students will explore creative ways to recycle more, reduce their overall waste production and ultimately foster a more sustainable way of living in their own community.

Science and Technology: Students explore and identify in varying details of complexity how different items are composed of different materials,that these materials can be changed and how this can impact on their ability to be recycled.

Geography: Students develop their knowledge of caring for places by investigating sustainable waste practices that they can apply to school and home. Stage 2 and 3 will explore the different levels of the waste hierarchy and identify how to apply these actions to their own everyday lives.

Science and Geography Syllabus Aligned:

Early Stage 1

• Science (STe-4MW-ST): students identify that objects are made of different materials.

Stage 1

• Geography (GE1-2): student identify how places can be cared for by using different waste services.
• Science (ST1-6MW-S): students identify that recyclable materials are changed through the recycling process.

Stage 2

• Geography (GE2-3): students investigate sustainable practices that protect environments by discussing ways to manage waste sustainably.
• Science (ST2-7MW-T): students investigate the suitability of processed materials in terms of their recyclability.

Stage 3

• Geography (GE3-3): students investigate how people influence places and how they can contribute to sustainability.
• Science (ST3-7MW-T): students will explore and categorise everyday items in terms of their material composition and recyclability.

COVID-Safe Management Plan

The kNOw Waste^TM Education Program is a registered COVID-Safe Business and has updated its Risk Assessment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in line with the Department of Education guidelines, and relevant health authorities. The workshops and included activities have been adjusted to minimise contact to help prevent spread of the virus.

If you have any concerns in the lead up to your incursion, or the COVID-19 situation changes, please get in touch to make alternative arrangements.

Make a free kNOw Waste^TM booking

There is no cost to your school to participate, however 2022 spots are limited, so book your sessions early to avoid disappointment.

To make a free booking, or for further information on the kNOw Waste^TM Education Program, please contact Cleanaway at:

Email: education.nsw@cleanaway.com.au
Phone: 0466 487 315