Map Your Area
 
Adapted from A-way with Waste: A Waste Management Curriculum for Schools, 2nd ed., by State of Washington, Dept of Ecology
 
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GRADE LEVELS: 7-8
 
SUBJECT AREAS:
business
social studies
earth science (mapping skills)
 
CONCEPT: There are many important groups and individuals that need to be recognized and consulted in the successful operation of a business. Mapping a business district and key business contacts is a valuable tool in the management of a business or project.
 
OBJECTIVE: Students will map the geographic boundaries of a recycling program's service areas and include the location of buyers important to the program. They will use this map as an aid in managing a school recycling program or project.
 
MATERIALS:
- county map
- colored pins
- pen or pencil
- telephone
- telephone book
 
KEYWORDS: feasibility study
 
BACKGROUND: To better understand their entire community, students will plot all the businesses and buyers related to the recycling industry. The more businesses they are aware of, the more leverage they will have when it comes to markets for their materials and support for their program.
 
PROCEDURE: Students will:
1. Map the boundaries of the program's service area and locations where waste processing facilities are located, i.e., processing plants, landfills, recycling drop-off centers and transfer stations, incinerators, composting facilities, etc. (You may need to call your recycling coordinator to find locations.)
 
2. List contacts important to the recycling program and create a map symbol for each. Using the symbols you create, draw a map. If possible, include numbers and locations of area residents for use in deciding where to locate drop-off centers.
a. Compile lists of individuals and groups willing to contribute financially to the program.
b. List neighborhood groups that have expressed interest in the recycling effort.
c. List major contributors of recyclable materials (industries, restaurants, households in community, etc.), and place symbols on the map).
d. Identify government agencies involved, and mark on the map.
e. Inventory possible media sources to be used for publicity.
 
3. Use your map to devise "action plans" -- methods to systematically contact contributors, pick up materials, etc.
 
FOLLOW-UP:
Which businesses in your community would be interested in a school recycling project? Why?
 
Who are the most important people to contact in your community to help your school recycling program?
 
How will the map with symbols of important contacts help your recycling program?
 
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