Fremont students turn trash to treasure

The Fremont Intermediate School multi-age classes of third- and fourth-graders created pin jewelry using recycled materials. In total, the students raised $632 selling 700 pins. The money is being donated to the Fremont Education Foundation.

In science, students learned about recycling and the environment. Students collected 6-pack plastic rings that hold cans together and recycled them into beautiful pin jewelry. These plastic rings are hazardous to birds and other animals because they get trapped in the plastic. Also, it takes 10 or more years for the material in the rings to decay, so by keeping them out of the landfills, students are helping the environment.

The students colored the clear plastic with permanent markers, and then tied the rings in a knot. The teachers took them home and melted them. They curl into small designs. Each one produces a unique design. Students adhered a pin to the back of each piece of artwork.

The projects taught students about the importance of giving back to the community, plus the process of advertising, making change for shoppers, understanding profit and environmental responsibility.

Fremont Intermediate School is a third- through fifth-grade school serving 701 students living in the communities of Mundelein, Wauconda, Hawthorn Woods, Grayslake, Ivanhoe, Round Lake, Round Lake Park, Long Grove and Libertyville.