This activity lets students route four original item cards, check their choices, and switch between two fictional rule versions. The bottle changes from Blue bin to Confirm in version 2. A visible comparison keeps its earlier decision labeled as version 1 history, while Confirm remains a valid answer when the rule is missing or withdrawn.
Apply fictional version 1
Program R version 1 supplies these classroom-only rules:
| Item card | Stated condition | V1 keyed route | Rule-based reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| P | Clean uncoated paper | Blue bin | Explicitly accepted in V1 |
| B | Empty rigid PET bottle | Blue bin | Explicitly accepted in V1 |
| F | Clean film bag | Separate collection route | V1 separates film from the blue-bin route |
| X | Foam packaging | Confirm | Not covered by the supplied rulebook |
The separate route for F has no confirmed actual location. “Separate collection” does not mean that a nearby store or school accepts it. X's missing rule is not permission to guess a route from its appearance.
Give learners a blank sheet with item ID, condition, program/version, rule reference, chosen route, reason and unresolved confirmation. Keep the teacher key separate. A learner should point to the relevant rule rather than answer “plastic means recycling.”
Change the bottle rule without erasing history
In a separate fictional version 2, Program R withdraws PET-bottle acceptance pending review. Only that stated rule changes:
| Item | V1 decision retained as history | Current V2 keyed route |
|---|---|---|
| P | Blue bin | Blue bin |
| B | Blue bin | Confirm |
| F | Separate route | Separate route; actual location unknown |
| X | Confirm | Confirm |
The earlier B decision is still a V1 record. It must not remain labeled correct for current V2. Nor does the new “confirm” status establish that PET bottles are permanently excluded everywhere. It describes the explicit pending-review condition in this fictional rulebook.
Show the current version prominently and retain prior decisions with their version IDs. The version buttons clear the current answer and feedback while retaining the clearly labeled example history.
Treat uncertainty as an answer, not an error
For X in V1 and V2, “confirm” follows the missing policy evidence. For B in V2, it follows the explicit withdrawal pending review. Both are supported decisions, though their reasons differ.
An unanswered card remains blank, which is different from choosing “confirm.” Separate those states from a wrong route under the supplied rules.
Keep the rule versions and decision notes with your lesson. Choose a route and press Check route to see the rule-based explanation. Reset returns to version 1 and an unanswered paper card.
Make the rule visible
Before each choice, ask the student to name the item’s condition and the version being used. The paper must be clean and uncoated; “paper” by itself leaves out part of the supplied rule. For film, the game supplies a separate route but no actual collection address. A route label does not verify a collection location.
For real collection decisions, replace the fictional rulebook only after confirming your provider’s current instructions and applicable date. EPA explains that local programs vary and a plastic identification symbol does not by itself establish acceptance. Keep the provider and rule reference in your teaching notes rather than borrowing Program R as local policy.
Copy this prompt
Build a complete classroom sorting activity for fictional Program R with four item cards and two version buttons. Items: P clean uncoated paper; B empty rigid PET bottle; F clean film bag; X foam packaging. In version 1, P and B go to Blue bin, F uses Separate route, and X needs Confirm because no rule covers it. The separate collection location is unknown. Version 2 withdraws B acceptance pending review, making its current route Confirm; other rules stay unchanged. Display the current version prominently. Keep a static history comparison showing B as Blue bin in V1 and Confirm in V2.
Let students select an item, choose one of the three routes and press Check route. Explain the supporting rule and distinguish unanswered from Confirm. Switching items or versions must clear the current choice and feedback. Reset returns to V1 and the paper card. State that this is a fictional classroom exercise, not municipal disposal advice. Supply a separate teacher key and an optional blank explanation field.
Return one complete self-contained HTML file with embedded CSS and JavaScript. Use native labeled controls with type="button" actions, readable text of at least 16px, strong contrast and visible focus. Make the layout responsive at 360px without horizontal scrolling. Keep supplied text literal. Use no remote dependencies or storage, and describe only actions the page actually performs.
Bring the version comparison to class
Ask pairs to explain why the same bottle has different answers in the two rounds. Save their questions with your lesson notes, including the real provider details you still need to confirm. For a classroom explanation of the version change, NOS can render the prepared HTML with the current rule beside each decision. Start the next discussion with the bottle’s changed rule, then ask what evidence would resolve the foam card.