Robot to teach children in Shropshire schools how to recycle

• Mar. 19 by Kellie Maddox (1)

Children in Shropshire will be learning how to reduce, re-use and recycle next week – with the aid of a rapping robot.

Shropshire Council has organised for Recycler to visit primary schools in the county to deliver an interactive programme devised by environmental charity Waste Watch.

Along with a ‘Recyclerteer’ – an education officer – the robot will perform a show at each school with story-telling and a quiz, as well as performing the recycling rap.

Leena Patel, Education Co-ordinator at Waste Watch explained that the programme has continued to succeed despite funding issues.

‘The programme was initially funded by WRAP and we had three robots touring schools across the UK.

However, the funding was pulled so now we work with Local Authorities to deliver the education programme.’

Why a robot?

The charity believes that using Recycler helps to get the message of recycling across to youngsters in a fun and interactive way.

‘Recycler has become a British institution; with thousands of school children having sung along to his catchy “reduce, reuse, recycle” message.

As well as encouraging the next generation to change their behaviour and be more environmentally-conscious, Recycler’s message reaches many of their parents as pupils are encouraged to take the message home.’

Teaching them whilst young

Waste Watch offer a range of educational programmes to primary and secondary schools  which are designed to help pupils and staff  reduce their environmental impact at school and at home.

Programmes such as Recycler also help link to the Curriculum and National Framework for Sustainable Schools.

Leena explained the importance of teaching children about environmental issues:

‘Teaching children at a younger age about recycling and reducing waste is great because they are enthusiastic and take the message on board.

We also work with secondary schools but often this is harder because there’s not so much enthusiasm.

Recycler is a novel way of teaching Key Stage one and two about recycling and allows them to interact in a fun and educational manner.’

Recycler the robot can be seen in action touring around schools across the UK to deliver the 3R’s message.