Inventions with Recycled Materials - What is it?
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Inventions with recycled materials is exactly what it sounds like! Students use recycled materials to create new inventions. The beauty of this space, is that it is nearly free! Students can contribute items from home; boxes, cans, bottles, bags, shop materials, fabric, toothpicks, popsicle sticks, anything! All that you need to provide are are a variety of common craft materials; glues, tapes, papers, scissors, glitter, cotton balls, pompoms, doilies, paint, whatever you have on hand!
What is really great about this station, is every teacher has already done this in some form. If you have built towers for third grade science, constructed geometric shapes with toothpicks and marshmallows in seventh grade math, or built a puppet theatre for Language Arts, you are already involved! The idea now, is to make this space a fixture in your classroom, not simply connected to one project. 
Start by inviting students to bring in a wide assortment of recycled materials from home. Don't forget to remind them to wash out any containers first! Need a list? Find one here! Try introducing the story of Cain's Arcade for inspiration. Then, allow students to explore to see what they come up with!
There are also many books and websites available to help generate ideas and projects to build! Try exploring ideas offered by Instructables, or books by Ruth Thomson!
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How can I use Inventions with Recycled Materials in my makerspace?
Creating inventions with recycled materials needs little more than imagination, but if you are looking for inspiration, check out the books below. Click on each to follow the link to Amazon to purchase or explore more!
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Inventions with Recycled Materials Student Challenges!
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Real Life InspirationLooking for more inspiration? Learn about the real life story of William Kamkwamba, A boy who used information found in library books to create a windmill out of recycled materials to help his family during tough times.
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Inventions with Recycled Materials Resources
Getting Started!Make-do is a shop that provides a unique set of tools designed for building with cardboard. With these child-safe saws, cardboard screws, and fasteners, many construction problems will be solved!
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Instructables!Instrucables offers step-by-step instructions for a variety of cardboard-based projects. Tools and materials vary from the very simple to the very complex. A pro account will allow you to download PDF instructions, while everyone can access the web-based instructions.
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The Reuse CentreThe Reuse Centre is located in Edmonton, AB and is an excellent resource for recycled materials! You can both donate and collect from this site.
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Do you have a lesson idea to contribute? Please contact us to share your idea with our community of educators!
Ruth Thomson has a written an inspiring set of resources on reusing recycled materials. Each book is thematic; based on plastics, clothes, paper, etc. To browse her resources on Amazon, click here.
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