This is a simple mathematics activity which could be used to stimulate interest in a school aluminium beverage can recycling program. The level of mathematics in the activity can be varied to suit the group. Lower primary groups could centre on counting, middle to upper primary on measuring, upper primary to secondary on collecting and analysing data. Activity Divide students into two groups. Provide students with a collection of aluminium beverage cans and a beam balance.
Students weigh a number of cans, record their results and calculate the average mass of a can.
Provide students with a collection of cans, a 1 kg spring balance and a garbage bag. Students should count the number of cans it takes to weigh 1 kg. Compare the answers from Group 1 and Group 2. Discussion Discuss the value to the community of recycling. Make sure you cover benefits such as reduction in the use of raw materials and energy in processing as well as 'cash back' benefits from aluminium beverage can recycling.