Determining Which Learning Strategy Which Best Suits Your Students

Bag Smart type activities can be undertaken in a number of different learning environments – here are some thought starters

Student as researchers

Constructing their own knowledge and understanding – can be done individually and in groups -This is a great starting point for engaging students

1. Why are Plastic Shopping bags an issue
   
   http://www.abc.net.au/science/features/bags/
   www.cleanup.com.au
   
2. Conducting a survey on the use of plastic bags is an excellent way find out what is already happing in your local community and how people feel about the issue. The Bag Smart team have provided a range of surveys to assist you to get started. Survey provided are:. Household Survey – Customers Survey – Retailers Survey.
   
   Click here for sample survey
   
3. Collect local statistics – e.g. how many plastic bags are distributed each week in your community

Group Activities

Eg Plastic Bag Poetry – click here for example#

These exercises are from the Bag Smart Sustainability Book – click here for more information

Student projects

Student identify needs or opportunities to address the issue then generate a student project to meet this need. Click here for PDF Generating a Project#

These exercise are from the Bag Smart Learning Through Projects Student workbook and facilitators Guide – click here for more information!!!!

Linkages To Strengthen A Classroom Or A Whole School Approach

Here are some thought starters to link student learning to other activities either within the school or outside of the school

1. Link to other environmental programs
   - Examples include Waste Wise schools, National ARC Schools Competition and Earth Schools. Click here to link to website for Wastewise
   
2. Form a Student Environmental Group
   - Link with community based organisations with similar aims and objectives
   
3. Develop a project which links to current community recycling and environmental programs
   - e.g. Kerbside recycling
   
4. School develops a joint project with a community based interest group
   - eg Environmental Groups
   - Cadets/scouts/Guides
   
5. School actively encourages students to join community based environmental interest groups
   
6. Make a contribution to community environmental awareness-raising campaigns such as World Environment Day, World Recycling Day, Clean Up Australia Day
   - Student-run shopping centre promotions
   - School-or community-based displays
   - Skits and theatrical performances on the theme of plastic bags
   - Creation and production of flyers
   - Plastic Bag’ fashion competition
   - Click here to link to website for Clean Up Australia
   
7. Become a Bag Smart School. Click here to register
   
8. Integrate a sustainability message into the school calendar
   - School Assemblies
   - School Camps eg plastic shopping bag free camp
   - Sports events (possible connected to litter management)

Beyond The School Gate

Schools can gain considerable benefit by connecting students to community organisation/service groups and events

Potential Groups could include

• Environmental Groups
• Cadets/Scouts/Guides and Youth Groups
• TAFES/Universities
• Service Clubs – lions, Rotary, Probus
• Shopping Centres
• Sporting Bodies

The types of Activities could include

1. Visits to Waste Management Facilities
   - This could involve an visit to a waste education centre or waste disposal facility, with appropriate pre-visit and post-visit activities
   
2. Plastic Bag Free event
   
3. Plastic Bag Retrieval Drives
   
4. Form an Environmental Group which undertakes activities both within and outside of school hours
   
5. Participate in a community events or fairs by
   - Plays/skits
   - Displays of posters/art
   - Student debates
   
6. A School Holiday Program in your local area focusing on sustainability