Really rubbish maps

You’ll need

Scissors
Coloured pens or pencils
Craft materials (for example, tissue paper, pipe cleaners, stickers)
Clean items of recycling
A map of your local area

Create your community

As a whole group, look at the map of your local area. Point out some of the main landmarks, and the most important places and features.

Everyone should take the everyday items, and use them to mark out the main landmarks and features on the floor.

Choose your landmarks

Split into small groups.
Every group should stand by one of the landmarks on the big map. This is the landmark they will make from the recycling.

Create your landmarks

Each group should plan how they will use the recycling to make a model of the landmark. They may want to use pens and paper to draw pictures, or note down their ideas.
Each group should gather the pieces of recycling they need, and use the sticky tape and glue to transform them into a model of their landmark.
Once everyone has made their models, they should put them in the right place on the map.
If you can, take a picture of your finished map before you take apart your models and recycle the items.

Reflection

This activity reminded you that you’re a local, national, and international citizen. How do you feel about your local community? What services does it have, and where are they? Who are the services for, and who uses them? Why are these services important? Whose responsibility is it to make sure the right services are there, and that they’re good enough? What responsibilities do you have — how can you support your local services (for example, could you try to shop at the local bakery, or use your library)?

This activity also reminded you to help your community. Is your community missing any services? Could you do anything to change that (think about who you might need to ask)? How could you improve the services you have — is your park full of litter, or does the library need some new books?

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

Scissors: Supervise young people appropriately when they’re using scissors. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.
Rubbish and recycling: All items should be clean and suitable for this activity.