Grass Man from Waste

This activity is suitable for preschool and elementary school levels. It is important to demonstrate the harm and negative effects of waste that may seem daily and small, and to develop thoughts on highlighting and resolving these harms and negative effects on nature.

Purpose of the Activity:

Leaf Directing children's interests towards nature

Leaf Ensuring close examination of the growth and development stages of a plant

Leaf Contributing to the formation of awareness about "Nature" and "Environment" in children

Leaf Explaining the harm caused by human waste to nature

Leaf Instilling in children the awareness that some wastes can be recycled

Leaf Instilling in children the motivation to defend the right to life and protect living beings

First the Story

Tako was getting ready for school in the morning. While putting on his sock, he heard a loud *riiippp*. Tako looked at his foot in surprise, and what did he see? A huge hole in his sock!

Nooo... My sock is ripped!

What happened, Tako?

Look at the state of my favorite sock. It’s so badly ripped.

Can’t we fix it? Maybe your grandpa can sew it for you?

I don’t think such a big tear can be fixed. I’m so sad.

Don’t be sad. The other sock is still in perfect condition. Can’t we do something with it? That way, we’d recycle it, and you wouldn’t have to part with your favorite sock.

That’s a great idea. I actually have an awesome activity in mind just for this. Let’s get started!

See, sometimes I can come up with good ideas too!

You’re already a wonderful friend, Ruka. I’m so glad you’re my friend.

Materials

Natural Materials Adhesive Recyclable Waste Materials Plant Seeds Soil

Activity

Before the activity, a snack time is provided. If a snack time is not possible, drinks may be brought to the classroom by the teacher. Students are instructed not to use trash and to hold their trash. Then, all the trash is gathered in one place and discussed how the trash can be reused or recycled.

Afterwards, seeds (preferably grass seeds but any type of seed can be used) are distributed to the students and they are asked to examine the seeds. Then, cups made from waste are collected, and a small hole is made in each one to drain excess water with scissors or a pen. Other bags and waste are used to design a face shape on them; eyes, ears, mouth, and nose are glued. Soil is put inside the cup and seeds are sprinkled on top, then covered with soil again.

Water is given to the cups and they are placed in a bright place that does not receive direct sunlight. Plants are watered regularly until they sprout and grow.

Grass Man

Attention!

Not all cups may sprout during the activity. Reasons for non-sprouting should be discussed in the classroom.

After the plants sprout, they can be moved to a sunny environment with regular watering and later transferred to larger pots.

Similar activities can also be done for fundraising purposes to contribute to the classroom budget.

During the activity, instead of using the same expressions repeatedly, creating faces with different expressions on the cups can be beneficial in teaching children about emotions.

Alternative Emotions

Assessment Questions

yaprak Did you examine the seeds? What can you tell us about the seeds?

yaprak What types of waste did you examine?

Yaprak How much waste do you think a person can produce in a day?

Yaprak Do you think waste harms the environment? Why or why not?

yaprak When do you think the seeds will sprout?

yaprak Did you give a name to your grass person? If yes, what is the name? If not, why didn't you want to name it?