Recycling, and Composting Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
Students will understand the importance of recycling and composting in waste management, and be able to create an animated gif using Brush Ninja to demonstrate their knowledge.
Materials:
- Computers or tablets with internet access
 - Brush Ninja website
 - Worksheets or handouts on recycling and composting
 
Procedure:
- Begin the lesson by engaging students in a discussion about waste management.
 - Ask questions such as: What happens to our trash after we throw it away? Why is it important to recycle? What is composting?
 - Share some interesting facts about recycling and composting to generate interest.
 - Distribute worksheets or handouts on recycling and composting.
 - Review the key concepts and benefits of each process with the students.
 - Give examples of common recyclable materials and explain how they are recycled.
 - Explain what can be composted, the process of decomposition, and the benefits of using compost.
 - Introduce Brush Ninja as a tool for creating animated gifs.
 - Show students how to access the website on their devices.
 - Briefly explain the different features available in Brush Ninja, such as drawing tools, colors, layers, etc.
 - Divide students into pairs or small groups.
 - Instruct them to use their knowledge about recycling or composting to create an animated gif using Brush Ninja.
 
They should aim to illustrate a specific concept related to waste management through their animation. For example, they could show how recyclable materials are sorted at a recycling facility or demonstrate the process of decomposition in a compost bin.
Encourage creativity while ensuring that the animation accurately represents the chosen concept. Remind students to include captions or labels in their animations to provide explanations.
Assessment
- Have each group present their animated gif to the class.
 - After each presentation, ask other students to provide feedback and identify the key concept being illustrated.
 - Evaluate the accuracy and clarity of the animated gifs in conveying information about recycling and composting.
 
Extension:
To extend learning, have students create a short written reflection on what they learned from this activity.
They should discuss why recycling and composting are important for our environment, as well as any challenges they faced while creating their animated gifs.
Encourage students to share their animated gifs with family members or on a classroom website/blog to spread awareness about waste management.
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How to animate with Brush Ninja
This video teaches the basics of using Brush Ninja
More Environment Lessons
Examples of Brush Ninja in Education
DES 4th graders in Computer Science learning how to make a Gif (not the peanut butter! 😛) using Brush Ninja. They picked it up pretty quick since it is not too much different from filming in stop-motion which they did last year in 3rd grade.
Tweeted by Kevin HughesMade some great animated GIFs with #BrushNinja. REALLY easy to use. Used existing JPGs and PowerPoint to build the background images.
Tweeted by Scott Westbury❤️d working with @Longan_ES 1st today to make #BrushNinja #GIFs of themselves wearing appropriate clothing for different types of #precipitation. My fav has to be the Ss explaining that she is wearing a hard hat to protect from hail. 😂🤣❤️ Ss got to finish with a #gallerywalk!
Tweeted by Mindy PastuszakGrade 8 PE students using the app #BrushNinja to show what a healthy lifestyle looks like to them! Fun app that can be used in any subject!
Tweeted by Derek Norris@KujawaES_AISD, third graders are creating images involving the Sun using brush ninja.
Tweeted by JGTaylor
		

