Welcome to the Teacher's Resources page! Here you will find pre-tour information to help you prepare for your visit. Below are class activities, directions, maps, MRF evaluations and additional resources for teachers!
Please don't forget to take the MRF Tour Feedback Survey! (Use the link below.)
Activities for classes
There are a number of different activities we offer classes on their visit to the MRF. Below are some examples.
Activity Stations (6-page PDF): Developed for AAPS 6th graders. We typically choose 3 activities for a class.
Paper-making (2-page Word document): A great activity for all ages. We offer variations of the attached description. You can duplicate this in the classroom and at-home as well.
AAPS Bus Tare Weight (1-page pdf): If the scale is clear, bus drivers can pull across the scale to see how much the class weighs compared to the empty weight of a typical school bus.
Directions and Maps
The MRF is located at 4150 Platt Road, near East Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Turn off Platt Road stone sign entrance for "The Wheeler Service Center" at 4150 Platt Road, next door to the Swift Run Dog Park. Take the ONE MILE PAVED ROAD past the closed landfills, compost center and two smaller buildings (for compost equipment and blue/white striped waste transfer station). You will come to a large, solid blue facility with a MRF sign in front. (If you reach the fence across the road, you have gone a tad too far.)
Please go to www.a2gov.org/mrf for directions and parking maps.
MRF Visit Evaluation
Please help us improve the experience for future MRF visitors. Take a moment following your visit to fill out a brief survey.
Link to external website. Thank you!
Other Resources
Michigan Green Schools offers to resources for environmental education, energy-saving tips and environmental activities. Link to external website.
If you are looking for additional activities to make a full-day field trip to the MRF, consider these options:
The Scrap Box (http://scrapbox.org/wkspsbdayparties.html) for crafts and activities using amazing scraps from area industries and household discards. (Fees apply if you want to schedule a classroom activity, etc.)
581 State Circle
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 994-4420
www.scrapbox.org
Leslie Science & Nature Center (http://www.lesliesnc.org/schoolprograms.htm) for outdoor and classroom activities that can highlight nature’s recyclers including live raptors, reptiles, woods, pond, gardens, etc. (Fees apply if you want to schedule a classroom program)
1831 Traver Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 662-7802
www.lesliesnc.org
Southeast Area Park (more information (new page)) for recreation areas containing two play areas, lighted softball and basketball, soccer fields, picnic shelter, concession area, parking, drinking fountain, restrooms, picnic tables and benches. The park features recycled products, with the play area, picnic tables and benches constructed from recycled plastics, the basketball surface is fabricated from old athletic shoes, and the bleaches are from recycled aluminum. Located at 1351 Ellsworth Road.
Lillie Park (more information (new page)) for sweeping vistas, two lakes, ADA nature trails, 2 fishing docks, a 250 ft boardwalk over Turtle Rock Pond, wildlife observation areas, interpretive signage, forest management education, and much more. Entrance off Platt Road, just south of Ellsworth.