Litter Hunt

Materials

Magnifying Glasses (optional)

Open Space Outside

Small Gloves, Tongs, or Other (for picking up litter)

Small Trash Bags

methods

By exploring litter, what it is, where it comes from, and what to do with it, you can teach young children about the importance of keeping our community spaces free of trash, recycling, and creating sustainable spaces for all.

Before letting children explore open space, talk about boundaries both children and teacher are comfortable with when looking for litter. It would be helpful if children were familiar with space before implementing activity.

Encourage children to “hunt” for items that are man made. They can use magnifying glasses to explore these items more closely and compare them with the natural items in this space.

You could also encourage children to look for a particular piece of litter. (“Let’s hunt for a piece of plastic, paper…”)

Lesson plan by Andrea Martini. You are welcome to share all materials with credit to her.