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Maryland State Government Maryland Department of the Environment

Education and Outreach

In the Classroom

Some Counties offer various displays, presentations and demonstrations that travel to schools and events.   Staff provides educational presentations to elementary, middle and high school students.   Contact your County Coordinator to schedule a presentation.

MDE can offer educators copies of interdisciplinary activity lessons for Grades K-9. The activity lessons cover topics such as recycling, source reduction, landfills, composting, reuse, ecosystem, cycles, hazardous waste, and buy recycled.  The lessons use a variety of skills and address the subjects of science, math, social studies, language arts, environmental education, art, and English. Contact MDE to receive these activities.

America Recycles Day (ARD)

ARD is a national event (November 15th) that promotes recycling, source reduction and buying products made from recycled materials as objectives to a more sustainable society. In celebration of ARD, MDE has created the “Rethink Recycling” sculpture contest and judging ceremony to display students’ creativity and promote recycling.The sculpture contest and judging ceremony is a great opportunity for celebrating efforts of the student artists, for media exposure and for promoting waste prevention to the general public. The sculpture contest challenges students to innovatively and artistically use recycled materials as a solution to waste reduction.  If you would like more information about ARD, visit the America Recycles Day's web page. 

The 2010 "Rethink Recycling" Sculpture Contest was held on November 19, 2010 at the Maryland Department of the Environment.  Over 60 entries from 19 different high schools from across the State were featured in the contest. 

Josh Tichinel from Northern Garrett High School won the grand prize for his alligator sculpted from over 700 soda cans.  He won a 64GB iPad.  The category winners, who received Nook eReaders were:

  • Creativity: Justin Femiano, South Carroll High School, Carroll County, for a globe lamp made with water bottles.
  • Workmanship: Lizelle Roose, Century High School, Carroll County, for chimes made from wood, copper piping, and broken mirrors.
  • Use of Materials: Jasmine Elberfeld, Century High School, Carroll County, for a depiction of a person walking two dogs made from an ice tea container, buttons, tin can, shelf brackets, newspaper, and springs.
  • People's Choice: Jenna Rayman, Notre Dame Preparatory School, Baltimore County, for a cube of Maryland logos made from soda cans, cardboard, and newspaper.

For a copy of the press release, click here.

If you would like to receive additional information on the "Rethink Recycling" sculpture contest, contact MDE.

 

Recycling Websites

Recycling Website -- for KIDS!