Trash Trouble in Paradise

Role playing a city council meeting, students weigh various real-world economic, social, and environmental factors when siting a landfill on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu.

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Subjects

Environmental Science (General and AP), AP Human Geography, Geography, Government, Economics, English Language Arts

Format

Whole class discussion, small group research and discussion, whole class discussion

Time

Prep: < 5 minutes
Activity: 15 minutes (Part 1): 30-60 minutes research, 30 minutes class presentations (Part 2)

Related Graphics

Trash Created per U.S. Person
Distribution of Wealth in the U.S.

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The Great Bag Debate

This lesson has been matched to standards in multiple subjects as well as relevant AP Frameworks. Click here to view standards matches.

Sources for Further Exploration

Teacher’s Guide

Glossary of Terms