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Plastic Pollution: How Humans are Turning the World into Plastic

Secondary, Middle

Description

Plastic! Cheap, sterol and convenient, but also a big problem for our environment. This video presents an overview of how plastic is very useful, but also a big problem worldwide. The video begins with a metaphor so students can get a better understanding of the plastic situation and then answers a few questions about plastic.

  • What is plastic? - a brief description of the history of plastic and how it is made.
  • What do we do with all this waste? - explains how plastic is disposed of and the effects this has on animals, food and humans.
  • What are microplastics? -an explanation of microplastics and the dangers this can have on humans and animals

To conclude, the video emphasizes that plastic pollution is a complicated problem and how individuals can have a significant impact on the outcome. This video was made in collaboration with the Clean Seas Campaign, where you can find many more activities to explore.

General Assessment

Strengths

  • the video uses illustrations to explain the role of plastics in our lives and addresses the consequences related to the use of this simple and convenient product. 
  • the short video serves to alert students how some of our actions have consequences by providing basic background information related to plastic, and it’s negative and positive effects on our environment.

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This resource is a great introduction to start your own action project when looking at environmental issues or to support units touching waste management and responsible consumption. It is also an excellent video to start conversation on how our lifestyle choices have severe impacts on our planet, now and in the future.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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        • Environment and Outdoor Education: Commitment to Action
        • Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Investigations
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        • Environmental Chemistry
        • Knowledge and Employability Science: Environmental Chemistry (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
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        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
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        • Environmental Science 12: Living sustainably supports the well-being of self, community, and Earth.
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        • Senior 2 Science: Dynamics of Ecosystems
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        • Environmental Science 12: Living sustainably supports the well-being of self, community, and Earth.

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • Sustainable Consumption

Waste Management (1)

  • Source Reduction

Water (1)

  • Marine Environments