References


 * Ackerman, F. (2008).** //**Recycling. The Encyclopedia of Earth.**// **Retrieved from [].**

The article is informative in giving the definition of recycling and the purpose of recycling. In our history dating back the end of World-War II our society became very wasteful of resources. Therefore, it became imperative to educate our nation about the need take care of our resources. Education about how to reuse items, recycle items, and reduce the waste of resources was the topic of this educational framework. Motivation to recycle can come from students having a full understanding of what recycling is and what the purpose is for recycling.


 * Adams****, M. (2010). Humans versus the environment: a thought experience.** //**Natural News**//**. Retrieved from [].**

The article explains how there is a battle going on between a clean environment and the human’s wastefulness of natural resources. The behavior of humans on the earth is making negative changes to the earth’s environment. This article offers many visual graphic information about recycling which would be very beneficial for the visual learner. Students would be able to learn the benefits of recycling while using critical thinking skills to associate problem versus solution.


 * Aparicio, Selene (2012). How to Boost Recycling Rates in Schools Retrieved from __ [] __**

This article presents arguments as to why recycling should start at a young age. It presents programs that can be implemented in schools and how schools are chosen for implementation. It specifically addresses how New York began a recycle program called New York City Public Schools Recycling Program. Additionally, it addresses incentives for students to recycle, obstacles in implementing a program and what programs had best results. This article can be referenced in gathering ideas of what makes a program work.


 * Braugart, M. (2002). Cradle to cradle: remarking the way we make things. Retrieved from []. **

//Cradle to Cradle: Remarking the Way We Make Things// is a book that explains that recycling is an idea that is based on nature. It calls for the integration of sustainability from the very beginning which is referred to as the cradle. Items need to be produced from the very beginning with the theory of them being absolutely recyclable or reusable again. This theory promotes the idea of using our resources wisely, and how important it is to not waste our resources. The framework is an “outside of the box” that is good in theory, but it needs to be practiced.


 * Bray, M., Brown, A., & Green, T. D. (2004). Curriculum, Technology, and Diverse Learners. //Technology and the diverse learner: a guide to classroom practice// (pp. 53-77). Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin Press.**

Differentiating instruction is a critical component for ensuring student academic success. “Diverse learners require unique instruction that helps meet their unique learning needs” (Bray & Green, 2004, p. 53). Marty Bray and Abbie Brown each hold a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems Technology. Dr. Brown is a New Jersey state award recipient and has published numerous works on computer-based instruction. The chapter defines differentiated instruction and includes discussion of strategies that can be used to meet the needs of the individual students using technology. The authors focus on differentiating in general but also address some common differentiation needs such as those of the English Language Learner, the Special Education student, and students with physical disabilities.

The leaners in our proposed classroom will have unique learning styles and a variety of individual needs to further their learning. It is imperative that the strategies employed are supported by proven research resulting in improved academic outcomes. This chapter highlights some actual classrooms and provides a real-world look into implementing the curriculum to meet the needs of different learners. In our project, employment of these techniques will help build lesson plans that provide the optimum environment for student success.


 * Clary, R., & Wandersee, J. (2010). The green root beer laboratory. Science Teacher, 77(2), 24- 28. Retrieved from ERIC database.**

The article has a captive title using the green root beer and go green recycling project to help students to better understand the concept of recycling. Through the comparison of the two concepts students will be able to make connections. The article offers ways to promote recycling through educational opportunities that allow students to use critical thinking skills to understand the concept. Educators are encouraged to use a project that will allow students concrete learning experiences about recycling.


 * Folz, David (July 17, 2012). Recycling Policy and Performance- Trends in Participation, Diversion, and Costs //Sage Journals// Retrieved July 15 from [] **

This panel study examines trends in recycling participation, diversion, and costs among a national sample of municipal programs. The policies that distinguished higher performing recycling efforts included mandatory recycling, curbside collection and free recycling bins, operating composting programs, and banning disposal of yard wastes. Recycling participation increased about 36% to a mean level of 73% by 1996. Diversion increased by 111% to a mean level of 33% by 1996. The total costs for recycling programs rose an average of 220%, but many cities with curbside collection also improved efficiency to the point where unit recycling costs were competitive with the costs of solid waste collection and disposal.


 * Gibbons, Gail (1996//) Recycle: A Handbook for Kids//. Retrieved from **


 * [] **

This book explains the process of recycling from start to finish and discusses what happens to paper, glass, aluminum cans, and plastic when they are recycled into new products.

Wonderful and colorful illustrations are provided on each page. The book is on an elementary reading level. It presents how much trash is thrown away in the United States and New York. It details how much trash is thrown away every minute. This book is really cute and informative and will appeal to children**.** A snapshot of the book can be located using the website above.


 * Gutierrez, M., & Johnson, C. (2009). Why save a can? Science activities: classroom projects and curriculum ideas, 46(1), 7-11. Retrieved from ERIC database.**

The focus on this article is to give students the awareness of recycling aluminum cans. This is an example that many students are already aware of in relation to recycling. There are many ideas and strategies that encourage making connections through real life applications. Additionally, educators can promote critical thinking, analysis, and discussion about the project on recycling. Students will be able to understand why recycling cans can help clean up our environment.


 * Hoover****, K. M., & Curran, M. (2010). Trash Pie: Is Your School Serving?. Science And Children, 47(7), 54-57.**

In this article, third-grade students experienced first-hand their own contribution to environmental waste. This article was published in the respected National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) journal, Science and Children. Students participated in a self-evaluation of their trash habits during their school lunch and evaluated the trash produced. All students used the same worksheet to evaluate their trash production to ensure consistency. The worksheets differentiated the trash thrown out based on type such as food scraps, paper, cardboard, aluminum, etc. By noting the type of trash thrown out, the students were able to arrive at totals that were used to determine the percentage of each type of trash. This was then analyzed and a plan to improve recycling habits was discussed.

The Recycling project proposed could employ a similar approach with the students and incorporate other learning methods to further understanding. Spreadsheets, for instance, could be used to create visual graphs and presentations that could enhance learning outcomes. The real-world experience provided by a lesson like this could be very valuable in making connections for students in a way that gives meaning to the concepts to be taught. In addition, other core subject materials are incorporated through the use of mathematics and vocabulary.


 * Johnson, L. F., Smith, R. S., Smythe, J., Varon, R. K., & New Media, C. (2009). Challenge-Based Learning: An Approach for Our Time. //New Media Consortium//.**

The New Media Consortium is a respected organization whose members are made up of international experts in educational technology, teachers, and researchers. “The role of the NMC is to help our hundreds of member universities, colleges, museums, and organizations drive innovation across their campuses” (New Media Consortium, 2012). This organization provides cutting edge research on providing instruction using available technologies. In this article, students were involved in work in collaborative teams to solve real-world problems. Outcomes of the experience are provided along with insights into the process.

The findings of this research support the desired outcomes of the Recycling project proposed by this group. Guiding the students in a relevant learning experience that furthers their understanding of environmental science increases the opportunity for real learning to take place. The collaborative approach lends itself to the age, grade, and make-up of a third-grade classroom. The research and proposal researched included some distinct teaching concepts that will enhance the experience for the students and provided essential guidance in lesson preparation. Parents provided permission for student involvement in the study and triangulation of data was employed to improve reliability of results. The results showed a wide variety of understanding about the environment and provided detailed information about understandings such as gender and age tendencies.


 * Johnson, L. F., & Levine, A. H. (2008). Virtual Worlds: Inherently Immersive, Highly Social Learning Spaces. Theory Into Practice, 47(2), 161-170.**

Both authors, Johnson and Levine, are affiliated with the respected New Media Consortium which provides the most recent findings on educational technologies and practices. The article was published in the journal, Theory Into Practice, which is published by Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology. The authors take a unique look at virtual worlds by contending in this article that the foundation behind these environments are simply immersive learning opportunities and are not new in that sense. Through this approach, the authors believe that incorporating virtual worlds into educational experience is more approachable.

The article includes information for all grade levels K-12 through higher education and provides insight into the process of integration virtual worlds into the classroom. This provides valuable information which could be implemented in the Recycling project proposed by the group. The key goal is to allow students to have an interactive experience with the content so that learning is enhanced. In addition, the unique environment allows the needs of the individual learners to be better met as the student literally creates their own learning experience through the process of engaging with the environment.


 * Johnson, L. F., Smith, R. S., Smythe, J., Varon, R. K., & New Media, C. (2009). Challenge-**

The New Media Consortium is a respected organization whose members are made up of international experts in educational technology, teachers, and researchers. “The role of the NMC is to help our hundreds of member universities, colleges, museums, and organizations drive innovation across their campuses” (New Media Consortium, 2012). This organization provides cutting edge research on providing instruction using available technologies. In this article, students were involved in work in collaborative teams to solve real-world problems. Outcomes of the experience are provided along with insights into the process.
 * Based Learning: An Approach for Our Time. New Media Consortium.**

The findings of this research support the desired outcomes of the Recycling project proposed by this group. Guiding the students in a relevant learning experience that furthers their understanding of environmental science increases the opportunity for real learning to take place. The collaborative approach lends itself to the age, grade, and make-up of a third-grade classroom. The research and proposal researched included some distinct teaching concepts that will enhance the experience for the students and provided essential guidance in lesson preparation. Parents provided permission for student involvement in the study and triangulation of data was employed to improve reliability of results. The results showed a wide variety of understanding about the environment and provided detailed information about understandings such as gender and age tendencies.


 * Joyce, Shawn D. (2009). Recycling In School – Green Living. Retrieved from []**

This article highlights teacher’s experiences with starting recycling programs at their schools. It outlines the steps you should take when trying to organize a recycling program in your school. A discussion is provided on the waste and amounts these schools have recycled.


 * Levine****, Brittany** **(March 21, 2010). Turning Trash Into School Cash Retrieved on July 15, 2012 from []**

This article addresses a program called upcycling which is taking place in Orange County California. Recycling grinds up goods and spits them out as something of lesser value, while upcycling creates something of greater value. For example, toilet paper made of recycled goods is lower on the consumer-goods chain than a kite made of Oreo cookie wrappers. With budget cuts affecting many schools across the United States, this program is worth investigating. In exchange for recycling and upcycling schools obtain cash for programs such as science camp.


 * Mayfield, Amy M. (2009). The Effects of Education and Awareness On Recycling**


 * Retrieved on July 15, 2012 from**


 * []**

This research/investigation was conducted at Missouri Western State College. It’s student body is about 5200. The participants in this study are students, staff and faculty who use two academic buildings (the Science and Math building and the Administration building) and who deposit aluminum cans in either the recycling receptacles or the trash. The buildings were chosen based on roughly equal representation of student body and by approximately equal number of receptacles in each building. This research was a 2X2 factorial design which last four weeks. In investigating whether eye-catching, informative signs promoting recycling contributes to an increase in recycling on campus, it was found that the average amount of cans in Group B receptacles (those manipulated in Phase Two) was higher than Group A receptacles (those that remained unchanged throughout the experiment). However, Group B receptacles averaged more cans throughout the experiment and not just with the addition of promotional signs.


 * Nadar, G. (2010). Benefits of recycling.** //**Articles Haven.**// **Retrieved from []**

The article provides the benefits and the necessity for recycling. The author goes on to explain how it is our responsibility to keep our living environment healthy and to manage our resources wisely. It is important that we understand that we can lead healthy and productive lives free of population from waste. This article would be a great introduction to the topic of recycling and it would promote the advantages to us as people to follow through with recycling.


 * Nadar, G. (2010). Benefits of recycling. Articles Haven. Retrieved July 16, 2012 from []**

This article gives Nadar’s (2010) view on recycling. It starts by clarifying the definition of recycling as a “civic necessity”. He goes on to give reasons to why recycling is important. As evidence to support this opinion he reasons that waste created is a threat to civilization by making harmful toxins in the air that humans are breathing in. He also details several advantages to recycling. Some of the benefits in which he specifies are environmental protection to humans as well as limited resources, techniques to save energy, and job opportunities for people. This article could be used before giving students an assignment about recycling. After reading this article to the class, the students could produce a recycling poster.


 * Naquin, M., Cole, D., Bowers, A., & Walkwitz, E. (2011). Environmental Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Students in Grades Four through Eight. //ICHPER-SD Journal Of Research//, //6//(2), 45-50.**

This research study provided insight into the knowledge of key health content by students in grades four through eight in southwest Louisiana. The researchers study took place at a public school located on the campus of their southeast University and was approved by the University’s Institutional Review Board. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to obtain data. Seven questions about environmental health were at the foundation of the study.

The participants in this group ranged in grade from four to eight. The findings could provide insight into the preparation of the environmental recycling study proposed. For instance, gender played an important part in student understanding and, therefore, should be a careful consideration during the recycling project. Careful review of this data provides insight into areas that must be addressed in a third-grade project to further student understanding. Findings also revealed that care should be given to ensuring students understand the questions being asked to avoid responses that do not accurately portray the true response.


 * NSW Government, Environment and Heritage Retrieved on July 15, 2012 from**


 * []**

The Environmental Benefits of Recycling Study (June 2010) provides the latest evaluation of the environmental benefits and impacts of recycling 21 different materials from residential, commercial and industrial, and construction and demolition sources. The study looks at the environmental benefits of recycling and measures them against four environmental indicators-landfill space savings, greenhouse gas abatement, energy and water conservation impacts. A summary and material list is included in chart form.


 * Naquin, M., Cole, D., Bowers, A., & Walkwitz, E. (2011). Environmental Health Knowledge,**

This research study provided insight into the knowledge of key health content by students in grades four through eight in southwest Louisiana. The researchers study took place at a public school located on the campus of their southeast University and was approved by the University’s Institutional Review Board. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to obtain data. Seven questions about environmental health were at the foundation of the study.
 * Attitudes and Practices of Students in Grades Four through Eight. ICHPER-SD Journal Of Research, 6(2), 45-50.**

The participants in this group ranged in grade from four to eight. The findings could provide insight into the preparation of the environmental recycling study proposed. For instance, gender played an important part in student understanding and, therefore, should be a careful consideration during the recycling project. Careful review of this data provides insight into areas that must be addressed in a third-grade project to further student understanding. Findings also revealed that care should be given to ensuring students understand the questions being asked to avoid responses that do not accurately portray the true response.


 * Planet** **Ark** **Environmental Foundation (2007). Prospecting the future of recycling. Retrieved July 15, 2012 from [|http://recyclingweek.planetark.org/documents/doc-76-]**

What are we consuming? How will we meet our needs in the future? What is the way forward? This article attempts to answer these questions as it relates to Australia. It looks at the things being consumed and what could happen if everyone recycled. Australia has a 70% recycling rate. If this rate was spread throughout the world, then the amount of year of supply of the materials aluminum would increase to 500 years from 150 years. This study also includes graphs which could be used as visual aids to show students why it is so important to recycle.
 * [|prospecting-report-2007.pdf]**


 * Renaud-Dubé, A., Guay, F., Taylor, G., Lekes, N., & Koestner, R. (2010). Adolescents' Motivation Toward the Environment: Age-Related Trends and Correlates.**


 * Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 42(3), 194-199. doi:10.1037/a0018596. Retrieved July 15, 2012 from [|http://www.motivation.chaire.ulaval.ca/webdav]**


 * [|/shared/pdf/2010/Dube%20Tayl..%5B1%5D.pdf]**

This study was done to establish the motivation level of young people when it comes to their knowledge as well as interest in the environment. Research tools such as questionnaires were used to compare students’ environmental motivation with academic motivation. Also, the study compared the age effect of environmental motivation to the age effects of academic motivation. These questionnaires were administered to two hundred students in five age groups. The results showed higher motivation in the environmental than the school domain. This study could help students realize the importance of recycling and motivate them to want to get involved.


 * Richmond****, Rachel (2009). Action needed: A case for recycling. Retrieved July 15, 2012 from []**

In this article Richmond (2009) stresses the need for recycling. She questions the government officials’ judgment as it relates to the use of manpower and money when it comes to recognizing the importance of saving the environment. Richmond offers numerous issues about the effects of plastics on humans. She outlines hazardous examples of situations with our lakes and debris. Through this article, the reader looks at recycling and the issues of how it can be harmful to humans as well as the environment.


 * Schaaffhauser, Dian. “MentorMob Lets Instructors Compile Learning Playlists -- THE Journal.” Jounal. The Journal, March 29, 2012. [|http://thejournal.com/articles/2012/03]**


 * [|/29/mentormob-lets-instructors-compile-learning-playlists.aspx]**

In her article in the Journal, Dian Schaffhauser discusses MentorMob, a new Web 2.0 desktop application that provides instructors and students the ability to curate educational topics and collaborate to improve their content. The article discusses the capabilities of the MentorMob application and options available when creating a playlist of steps that students can follow to learn a new concept. The playlist can be made public so that collaboration can occur to make it beneficial for students. In addition, students’ involvement with the playlists and activities can be monitored in a safe, private environment so that learning participation can be tracked and assessed.

The MentorMob playlist could provide the students in our proposed Recycle project the environment to use as a foundation for their learning. Thought the playlist, students can participate 24/7 in the project. In addition, the playlist has a bright visual appeal for younger students to help them manipulate through the components of the project. By placing quality resource for the students in a MentorMob playlist, the students can focus more on the content and can create their own playlist or presentation using the guidelines set forth in the playlist.


 * Skumatz, L., & Freeman, D. (2007). Measuring success in diversion – best practices: alternative measurement of recycling, diversion, and waste prevention. Retrieved from**


 * []**

The article focuses on our communities, and how communities can make changes to improve wasting resources through recycling. Furthermore, the article goes on to explain how recycling can help make a positive difference in our landfills. There are examples of how to reach goals that will improve our environmental needs and help keep our earth green.


 * Skumatz, L., & Freeman, D. (2007, October 27). Measuring success in diversion – best practices: alternative measurement of recycling, diversion, and waste prevention.**


 * Retrieved July 15, 2012 from[| http://www.stopwaste.org/docs/sera_alternative_measurement_options_10-27-07.pdf]**

Through this article the reader examines the ways in which communities can improve its waste management procedures. The author offers recommendations for recycling and energy conservation. It also offers ways in which people can measure diversion and the use of landfills to reduce the amount of waste acquired over a certain period of time. Through this article, students can realize that even they can make a difference within their community and how every community has different environmental needs as well as common goals of finding ways to improve waste reduction.


 * So, H., Seow, P., & Looi, C. (2009). Location Matters: Leveraging Knowledge Building with Mobile Devices and Web 2.0 Technology. Interactive Learning Environments,**


 * 17(4), 367-382.**

(CM) - Published in the Interactive Learning Environments Journal, this article discusses how mobile technology can enhance the learning experience. The researchers’ goal was to determine if the use of this mobile technology not readily available and often implemented in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT) environment can support student learning. In addition, the use of Web 2.0 technologies was included so that both mobile technology and Web 2.0 were used to support the curriculum. The process and the impact on teaching and learning are discussed in depth.

In our Recycle project, the use of BYOT and BYOD methods could improve the overall outcome for the students. In addition, parents/guardians could become part of the learning process which would evolve from within the classroom to a 24/7 learning experience. The study which consisted of fourth graders found that student meaning was increased by the BYOT/BYOD process and collaborative discussion was enhanced based on the students’ individual experiences with the project. Based on their findings, this approach along with a carefully considered collaborative plan could successfully impact student learning.


 * Unruh, J. (2010). Recycle everything: why we must, how we can. Retrieved July 15, 2012 from [|http://books.google.com/books?id=G0vNgQO7sgUC&]**


 * [|printsec=frontcover&dq=recycle&hl=en&ei=9bOzTLDsKMGAlAe52tyACg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=book-thumbnail&resnum=3&]**


 * [|ved=0CDwQ6wEwAjgK#v=onepage&q&f=false]**

Recycle Everything is a book that explains why it is important and how we can recycle everything that we make and use. It presents examples of objects that are reusable, such as plastic bottles, automobile engines, carpet, and office machines (fax machines, phones, computers). This book can be used by a teacher to present background knowledge about the numerous things which can by recycled. By giving this background knowledge, students would gain a new perspective of the recyclables all around them while offering a project section which gives students ideas on how reusing those items can be incorporated in a recycling program.


 * Waste Online (2010). Metals - aluminum and steel recycling. Retrieved July 16, 2012 from []**

The author of this article sites ways to recycle aluminum and steel and gives explanations about why it is important to recycle. The author goes on to indentify what aluminum and steel are composed of and how they can be broken down in order to be beneficial to our environment. The reader also learns about the difference between home and scrap metal. Through the use of this article, students could make connections to how metals and the recycling of those metals relate to them and their everyday life.

Locating Resources

(CM) - The best resources found have always been published through a professional organization journal such as those found at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), or The New Media Cosortium (NCM). The vast amount of knowledge found in the contributing members of these organizations along with the supported research provides trustworthy and respected content for consideration.

Other Resources – (CM)

“About the NMC | The New Media Consortium”, n.d. [].