My Object's Journey

Description

This educational resource invites Grade 3 and 4 students to become investigators as they trace the journey of an everyday object, such as a wool sweater, a roll of toilet paper, a strawberry, or a hockey puck.

From the extraction of raw materials to an object’s second life, students discover that products do not move through the world by chance. At every stage of their journey, laws, regulations, and other rules help protect people, animals, and the environment. Students also examine the choices that can extend an object’s lifespan, such as repairing, reusing, donating, or recycling it.

The resource concludes with the completion of the Object Passport, a culminating activity that allows students to synthesize and showcase what they have learned throughout their investigation.

Educational objectives

• Describe the life cycle of an object, from the extraction of raw materials to its end of life.

• Identify examples of rules and laws that govern the life cycle of objects and explain what they are designed to protect.

• Select and justify the most appropriate way to extend an object’s lifespan or dispose of it responsibly.

• Suggest concrete actions that support more responsible and sustainable practices.

Subject Areas and Learning Competencies

Culture and Citizenship in Québec - Grade 3

Theme (Cultural Reality): Relationships Between Humans and the Environment – Living Environments

Mandatory Concept : Relationships with nature (people’s interactions with nature; coexistence and interdependence with the natural world)

Culture and Citizenship in Québec - Grade 4

Theme (Cultural Reality): Relationships Between Humans and the Environment – Living Environments

Mandatory Concepts:

• Consumption
• Environmentally responsible practices

Cycle Two Competency: Examining Cultural Realities

Observing Cultural Realities :

• Ask questions (comprehension, philosophical, and ethical questions)
• Make observations
• Identify characteristics

Comparing Perspectives

• Identify differences or tensions between viewpoints
• Recognize points of view, along with the ideas and references that support them
• Draw conclusions

Dialoguing

• Support and explain their ideas
• Seek out and consider the ideas of others

Science and Technology

Elementary Cycle Two (Grades 3–4)

• Living World: Interactions between human beings and their environment
• Mandatory Concept: Impacts of human activities on the environment

Duration

• Three class periods (two 60-minute periods and one 45-minute period)

Broad Areas of Learning

• Environment and Consumption: Developing a dynamic relationship with one’s environment and increasing environmental awareness.
• Living Together and Citizenship: Fostering engagement, cooperation, and solidarity.

Cross-Curricular Competencies

• Uses critical judgment: Justifies choices and decisions.
• Cooperates with others: Works collaboratively throughout the investigation.
• Communicates appropriately: Presents and defends ideas within a group setting.