UCF Research Guides: Common Reading 2014-15: Garbology: Assignments & Syllabi

Sample Assignments, Activities, Syllabi, and Programs

Case study 1: Solid waste management and environmental justice: Building and sustaining coalitions by Baruch College School of Public Affairs Center for Nonprofit Strategy and Management
This case examines the continuing work of community-based organizations and public interest lawyers to promote equitable and environmentally sound solutions to waste handling in New York City. In addition to a description of the case, this case study packet contains a timeline of important events, an appendix of supporting documents, links to relevant advocacy organizations, and more.
The anthropology of trash by Campell, A.
Publication Date: 2007
This course syllabus contains a description of practices and field trips, as well as a list of readings, for a class titled “The Anthropology of Trash.”
Track your trash by Classroom Energy Diet Challenge
Publication Date: 2012
This website contains two “Track Your Trash” lesson plans developed for k-12 classrooms. In this assignment, students track, measure and reduce the amount of garbage produced within their classroom over the course of one day. This activity is done twice to measure the differences that were made throughout a one-week or one-month period.
Found object art by Davenport, S., FournierMoon, A., Mendoza, L., Peterson, C., & Taub, R.
This two-day lesson plan of “found object art” is designed for students in grades 9-12. Students will learn about the concepts and principles behind art created with found objects through discussion and word association involving examples. Then they will learn about the process of planning for artworks by sketching found objects in a sculptural design and discussing how it could actually be assembled.

Garbology for teachers (NatureBridge)
This webpage contains garbology fact sheets, a “waste-less lunch” activity, and lessons for students in grades k-12.
About the Artist in Residence Program (Recology)
This website explains the Recology Artist in Residence Program, which is an “art and education program that provides Bay Area artists with access to discarded materials, a stipend, and a large studio space at the Recology Solid Waste Transfer and Recycling Center.” During the program, artists create pieces from garbage, deliver educational lectures to students and adults, and raise awareness about Recology’s three-bin system.

Lesson 3: We recycle! Community Classroom by Schreiber, A., & Langendoen, D.
This lesson plan complements the PBS documentary, “Garbage Dreams,” and is designed for students in grades 9-12. In this lesson, students will learn about the benefits of recycling as they apply math and science skills to learning about recycling in their communities. For more resources related to this lesson (including a game and additional lesson plans), visit the Garbage Dreams website

55 environmental service-learning projects (Youth Service America, 2009)
This list of environmental-themed service-learning projects includes many examples that relate to Garbology, including beach cleanups, bring your own grocery bag campaigns, composting projects, computer recycling drives, garage re-sale events, recycling programs, “reduce school cafeteria waste” initiatives, and trash audits.