Students work together to reduce classroom waste and use their WeCoExist dashboard to measure the results.
Download Worksheet 3
Students plan a waste reduction challenge, collect data over two weeks and compare the results using their WeCoExist dashboard. By measuring a baseline, testing one strategy and comparing weekly averages, students discover whether their actions reduced classroom waste.
→ Fair testing
→ Data collection
→ Comparing averages
→ Waste reduction
→ 3 lessons
(over 2-3 weeks)
→ Print Worksheet 3
→ Open your classroom dashboard
→ Check device is reporting
→ Prepare class data wall
Before each lesson, spend a few minutes preparing the dashboard, worksheets and class data wall.
→ Worksheet 3
→ Class data wall
→ Calculators
→ Class Device ID
→ Choose a baseline week
→ Choose one strategy
→ Plan daily data recording
→ Open your class dashboard
→ Check the device is reporting
Follow these four stages to guide students through the waste reduction challenge.
Students choose one waste reduction strategy, make a prediction and prepare the class data wall.
Students record daily fill levels during the baseline week without changing their normal behaviour.
Students use their chosen strategy while continuing to record daily fill levels.
Students compare both weeks, calculate the improvement and decide whether their strategy worked.
Use these questions to encourage planning, discussion and reflection throughout the investigation.
How can our class reduce waste?
Which strategy should we try?
What do you predict will happen?
Are we changing only one thing?
Is everyone following the strategy?
Have we recorded today's data?
Did our strategy reduce waste?
Was it a fair test?
What might have affected the results?
Help students plan a fair test and use their data to draw reliable conclusions.
→ Change one thing only.
→ Keep everything else the same.
→ Record anything unusual.
→ Record the fill level each day.
→ Check the dashboard regularly.
→ Complete both weeks of data.
→ Compare both weekly averages.
→ Base conclusions on the data.
→ Not every strategy will succeed—and that's okay.
Everything you need to deliver Investigation 3 is given below.
Use these opportunities to assess students' planning, data analysis and conclusions.
Students plan a fair test by changing one variable and identifying what will stay the same.
Students compare both weeks of data and explain whether their strategy reduced waste.
Students use averages and observations to draw a conclusion and suggest improvements.
Congratulations! Your class has completed the WeCoExist investigation series. Keep tracking your dashboard, try new waste reduction ideas and continue working together to reduce landfill waste.