Waste Warriors
Rethink Waste. Redesign the System. Become a STEM Steward.
Where does “away” really go? Waste Warriors transforms an everyday topic into an active STEM investigation where students discover what happens to the things we throw away—and how their choices can make a difference.
Students become Waste Detectives as they move, sort, investigate, calculate, design, and problem-solve their way through the world of waste. They explore the difference between landfill, recycling, composting, reuse, and reduction; investigate how different materials break down over time; and discover how something as simple as one student's lunch can create a surprising amount of waste when multiplied across an entire school year.
But Waste Warriors goes beyond learning how to sort trash.
Students are challenged to think like engineers: Can we redesign our everyday choices so we create less waste in the first place? Teams tackle realistic school waste problems, evaluate possible solutions, and develop creative strategies involving reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, repurposing, and student education.
The experience concludes with a STEM Steward Challenge, empowering students to take what they've discovered and identify one meaningful action they can take at school, at home, or in their community. Optional classroom extensions can turn those ideas into real projects—from waste-free lunch challenges and composting to waste audits, reuse projects, and student-led education campaigns.
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), Waste Warriors combines environmental science, engineering, math, collaboration, communication, and hands-on learning to build curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental stewardship.
Students don't just learn where waste goes. They discover how STEM can help them create less of it—and how their actions can make a difference.
Perfect for: Elementary through High School • Science Classes • STEM Days • Environmental Education • Sustainability Programs • Community Events
1 hr
300 US dollars
