At-Home Upcycle Projects from Climate Superstars
Provided by: The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)|Published on: May 20, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Type: Activity - Classroom
Subjects: Visual and Performing Arts
Authors: The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)
Location: Earth
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This resource from The National Environmental Education Foundation provides instructions for six upcycling projects that will turn discarded items into something useful.
- Each project includes step-by-step instructions with pictures.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- These six projects are easy to do with elementary and middle school students.
- Making bird feeders or shirt coasters would be an excellent introduction to the concept of upcycling.
Prerequisites
- Each project requires different materials.
- Younger students will need assistance with some of the projects.
Differentiation & Implementation
- After creating a project together, students could find something in their home or school that is frequently thrown away and find a way to upcycle it as a project.
- Students could hold an "Upcycled Fair" to display their creations. Students could provide written directions for visitors to take home to complete their own upcycle project.
- Other resources on this topic include this ClimateScience course on personal actions that fight climate change and this video on recycling challenges.
Materials like pins, wire cutters, scissors, and adhesives used in these activities can cause injury to students if not properly monitored by an adult. The resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
