Activity One - Describe

Before we even look at the hows and whys of the increasing amount of plastic in our oceans it would be good to explore exactly what plastic is and what goes into making it. This will help to set the scene of why it is often in the news as an issue.

• • 1. What is plastic?

    2. What components of plastic make them particularly detrimental for the ecology in our oceans?

    3. Describe how plastic enters the world's oceans.

Activity Two - Investigate

We all seem to have this idea that there is more plastic in our oceans than ever before. That the plastic causes massive issues for whoever uses the oceans including humans. What evidence can we find to suggest that this is the actual case?

• • 1. Spend 5 minutes searching on the internet for newspaper or magazine article titles that highlight the growing issue of plastic in our oceans. I would expect you to find many articles but only focus on two. 

• • 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • On paper write the title of the newspaper or magazine.

                      • Record the heading of the article.

                      • Record a summary of what the article says about the plastic in the ocean.

Activity Three - Describe

As always it goes to look at whether there is an actual problem surrounding plastic in our oceans rather than perhaps our perceptions.

• • 1. Using the 'Global Plastics Production graph below, describe the changes in production over time.

    2. Using image three, describe where the plastic can be found. Also consider type.

Activity Four - Viewing things differently (optional)

We have now read articles that outline what plastic is and how plastic enters our oceans. You have interpreted graphs and infographics. Now is the time to view the damage caused by plastic pollution in our oceans but slightly differently. 

1. Download the YouTube app on your phone.

2. Either click on the link or search for '360 Sea Plastic - Narrated by Tim Robbins'.

3. Click on the Goggle symbol in the bottom right-hand corner of the YouTube clip.

4. Collect a pair of 360 Googles and insert your phone into them - you may need to take your protective case off of your phone so be careful.

5. Press play and explore the damage caused by plastic pollution.

6. Create a mindmap of the impact and potential sollutions.

Useful Resource

Activity Five - Watch

You now have knowledge of the amount of plastic pollution in our oceans, where we find the majority of it, and how it gets there in the first place. What we now need to do is to consider the impact of this waste and what we can actually do about the situation. To do this we are going to use two key resources; the first is National Geographic so that you can visually see the impact of plastic and to understand that we change how we view plastic use of plastic. The second resource is taken from a series of 'Earth Day' materials which will provide key facts surrounding the issue along with sensible and realistic solutions (the plastic pollution tool kit). 

• • 1. Watch the YouTube clip below and answer the following questions on lined paper or fill in a copy of the question grid below.

• • • • • • • • • What is the circular economy/new plastic economy?

                • Where does the waste come from?

                • What is the impact of this waste?

                • What is a dead zone?

                • How many dead zones are there?

                • How can farmers change their processes?

Useful Resources

Activity Five - Create

Create a informative poster which outlines the problems of plastic  pollution along with suggestions for improvement. We need to move away from just looking at this issue in a bleak way to an opportunity to revolutionize a resource.  Use the information you have collected throughout the couse of the lesson and the information in the "Useful Resources' box below.

How will I be assessed?

You will be formatively assessed using Criterion A - Knowledge and understanding and Criterion C - Communicating.

Activity - To Watch After the Test

This YouTube clip looks at the impact that plastic is having on our oceans. It is a little dated but really highlights the impact that we are having on our oceans with the waste that we are producing. It is one to watch after the test as last almost 25 minutes.