Facility Tours, Presentations and Kits
The following tours, presentations and kits are available to schools and other
community groups at no cost. Download the .PDF brochure version.
Indicate which resource(s) you are interested in by checking the boxes below.
Include specific time and date requirements and our staff member will contact
you to make arrangements.
Tours:
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Kent County Recycling Center
322 Bartlett Street, Grand Rapids
Grades: 1 +
Grade Level Content Expectations applicable in this tour:
Science: E.ES.03.41 through 44; E.ES.03.51 through
52; E.SE.03.31
Downtown Grand Rapids: The Materials Recovery Facility is a
sorting facility designed to accept residential recyclable materials.
Recyclables are sorted according to type, then prepared for
shipping to the next processor by pressing the recyclables into
bales. Tours are approximately one hour in length and include a
classroom discussion about recycling as well as a facility tour.
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South Kent Landfill
300 100th Street, Byron Center
Grades: 3 +
Grade Level Content Expectations applicable in this tour:
Science: E.ES.07.41 through 42
Byron Center: The South Kent Landfill is the only solid waste landfill
operating in Kent County. Tours are up to one hour in length and
provide an in-bus talking tour of the entire landfill area, including a
trip up to the top to see the big machines in action (weather
permitting) and all groups will weigh in at the scalehouse. A short
discussion on our new methane gas recovery system is included. |
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Waste-to-Energy Facility
950 Market SW, Grand Rapids
Grades: 5 +
Downtown Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids, the Waste-To-Energy
Facility can process 625 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) per
day. The MSW is converted into steam through carefully monitored
incineration in specially designed furnace/boilers. The steam goes
through a turbine/generator to generate electricity. A small portion of the electricity is used in house
and the rest is sold to Consumers Energy Company and consumed by homes and businesses in
Kent County. The MSW is reduced to ash, which is landfilled after ferrous metal is removed and
recycled. About 4,500 tons of ferrous is recycled every year. As ash, the MSW is reduced 90% by
volume and 75% by weight. Call (616) 235-3210 for tour information. |
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Presentations:
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Sorting It Out
Grades: Pre K-1, 30 minutes
Grade Level Content Expectations:
Science: E.ES.03.41 through 44; E.ES.03.52
Where does our trash go when we throw it “away”? By sharing a recycling book
with your students, our presenter will help them understand that recycling can
reduce how much trash goes into the landfill, identify four items in their home
that can be recycled, and learn how recycling is available in their community. |
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Packing a Waste Free Lunch
Grades: 3+, 45 minutes
Grade Level Content Expectations:
Science: E.ES.03.41 through 44; E.ES.03.51 through 52;
The term “green” is used frequently, but what does it means to be green? Is it
difficult to ‘be green’? In fact, being ‘green’ is really about choices. The choices
each of us makes have an impact (either positive or negative) on the environment.
This presentation will help your students discover simple ways they choose to be
“greener” in their lives—including the simple task of packing their lunch. |
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Watch Your Waste!
Grades: 2-8, 45 minutes
Grade Level Content Expectations:
Science: E.ES.03.41 through 44; E.ES.03.51 through 52; E.ES.07.41
through 42
This presentation will emphasize that much of what we throw in the trash is not
necessarily trash—it can be reused, recycled, or composted and we can easily
reduce the amount that does go in the trash. We will also discuss how reducing,
reusing and recycling can save natural resources. Our presenter will guide your
students as we sort through the “trash” we bring. |
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Paper or Plastic? The Great Debate
Grades: 9-12, 45 minutes
Many people assume that paper bags are better for the environment, but are
they really? By analyzing the life cycle of paper and plastic bags, students
will make a jaw-dropping discovery about the resources required to make
both types of bags and determine whether there is a better option (of course
there is!) |
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Kits:
Kits are generally loaned out for 1-2 week periods. Other arrangements may be
possible, depending on demand. Pick up kits at our main office in Grand Rapids.
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Recycled Crayon Kit
Grades: 1 +
Crayons take many years to decompose in a landfill. Rather than throwing away
crayon stubs, melt them down to make new crayons in fun shapes! We’ll supply
crock-pots and molds, you supply the crayon stubs. If you have an oven, crockpots
may not be necessary. Additional adult helpers may be required. |
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Paper-making Kit
Grades: 2 +
By recycling paper we can reduce the number of trees used to produce new
paper. We supply the blenders and screens for making paper, you supply
the paper scraps and water! This is a great activity to try outside on picnic
tables (electricity required). Try making special occasion cards!
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Steel Can Lantern Kit
Grades: 3 +
Empty steel cans are great to teach “reuse” to your students! We’ll supply the
hammers and nails, you supply the cans so your students can make their own
“lanterns.” This makes a great gift for parents! |
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Other:
Lessons & Activities in Recycling & Waste Management
We’ve compiled a curriculum guide that includes lessons and activities that you can use when
teaching about recycling, solid waste, hazardous waste and land use topics. Access these for free
on our webpage: www.accesskent.com/EnvironmentalEd
Earth Day Recycle Challenge
Each year the Kent County Board of Public Works invites all elementary schools in Kent County to
participate in a challenge to promote awareness for Earth Day (celebrated April 22nd each year)
and to encourage recycling at an early age. Schools are challenged to collect a specific item for
recycling, and awards are given out to the top performing schools based on the average amount of
material collected per student. Watch our website and your mailbox for details in January.
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