This resource provides instructions for six upcycling projects that will turn discarded items into something useful.
Each project includes step-by-step instructions with pictures.
Teaching Tips
Positives
These six projects are easy to do with elementary and middle school students.
Making bird feeders or shirt coasters would be an excellent introduction to the concept of upcycling.
Additional Prerequisites
Each project requires different materials.
Younger students will need assistance with some of the projects.
Differentiation
After creating a project together, students could find something in their home or school that is frequently thrown away and find a way to upcycle it as a project.
Students could hold an "Upcycled Fair" to display their creations. Students could provide written directions for visitors to take home to complete their own upcycle project.
Materials like pins, wire cutters, scissors, and adhesives used in these activities can cause injury to students if not properly monitored by an adult. The resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
K-ESS3-3 Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 4: Taking Informed Action
D4.7.3-5 Explain different strategies and approaches students and others could take in working alone and together to address local, regional, and global problems, and predict possible results of their actions.
National Core Arts Standards
Visual Arts: Standard 2 - Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr2.1.1a Explore uses of materials and tools to create works of art or design.
VA:Cr2.3.2a Repurpose objects to make something new.
