Causes and Cans

Purpose

The previous activity gives students an idea of how much money they could make running an aluminium beverage can recycling program. In this activity, students consider how they will spend that money for the benefit of their school, local community, or charitable organisations in Australia and worldwide

Activity

Students brainstorm a list of possible causes. Discuss any types of organisations students have not thought of.

To this point it is possible to conduct the activity in theory but students will need to decide whether to proceed with a can recycling program. See setting up a recycling centre.

If students decide to start a recycling program they will need to decide how to select a cause. Encourage them to think of voting systems used around the world and at different periods of time. Students may wish to research different causes. Students may decide to campaign for their choice of cause prior to voting, for example. How do they run their campaigns? Who is responsible for setting up the voting ballots. Who is granted the vote?

Discussion

The activity will provide much discussion on civics and democracy as well as students compassion for various causes. It may prove useful to record some of the discussion and experiences for reflection later.

Discuss how long to run the recycling program. Consider the implications of compassion fatigue in the school community.

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