Grade 4 Science Curriculum Support

Waste in Our World Chapter 1:

Understanding Waste

& The Circle of Stuff

In Part 1 of Waste in Our World, students are introduced to the Roseridge Waste Management Commission and the concept of a circular economy.

They’ll explore how everyday items are made from raw materials, how they’re used, and what happens after — including recycling, composting, reusing, and when necessary, landfill.

This chapter sets the stage for sorting waste properly and reducing environmental impact by rethinking how we manage “stuff” from start to finish.

Chapter 1 Exercise

Waste in Our World Chapter 2:

Putting Waste in Its Place

In Part 2 of Waste in Our World, students learn that the journey of waste begins at home — and that sorting it properly matters.

They’ll explore what belongs in the recycle, compost, and landfill streams, using real-life examples like plastic containers, apple cores, and Styrofoam. By recognizing which materials have value, students begin to see landfill as the last resort — not the first stop.

This chapter builds sorting skills and shows how small decisions make a big impact.

Chapter 2 Exercise

Waste in Our World Chapter 3:

Composting and

Organic Waste Recovery

In Part 3 of Waste in Our World, students learn how Roseridge recovers value from organic waste by turning it into nutrient-rich compost.

Organic materials like food scraps, leaves, and grass are broken down naturally by bacteria, fungi, and insects. After 12 months, this process creates high-quality compost that’s used on local farmland — improving soil health and supporting sustainable agriculture.

This video introduces the science of decomposition and explains what materials can be composted — and why composting matters.

Chapter 3 Exercise

Waste in Our World Chapter 4:

Environmental Protection

and Monitoring

In Part 4 of Waste in Our World, students explore how Roseridge Waste Commission protects the environment through science-based monitoring, safe storage practices, and responsible facility design.

From groundwater sampling and landfill gas tracking to litter control and hazardous waste rules, Roseridge takes proactive steps to prevent harm to water, land, and air. Every load of waste is weighed, logged, and monitored — ensuring that what enters the site is handled safely.

This chapter also includes a hands-on classroom experiment: Make Your Own Landfill in a Bottle — helping students understand how long different materials take to break down and why responsible waste handling matters.

Chapter 4 Exercise