Materials Needed

• Whiteboard or presentation slides

• Short video or infographic on microplastics

• Samples of common single-use plastics (e.g., straws, bags, packaging)

• Worksheets for group activities

• Magnified images or visual aids of microplastics

Lesson Outline

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Engage: Start with a provocative question:
  “Did you know we consume about a credit card’s worth of plastic each week? Where does it come from?”

• Show a brief video or impactful image of plastic pollution in oceans or a landfill.

• Introduce key terms:

  • Single-use plastics: Disposable items like straws, water bottles, and grocery bags.

  • Microplastics: Tiny plastic particles from degraded plastics or microbeads.

2. Part 1: Single-Use Plastics (20 minutes)

Lecture/Presentation (10 minutes)

• Define and provide examples of single-use plastics.

• Discuss environmental impacts:

  • Contribution to landfills and marine debris.

  • Wildlife ingestion and entanglement.

Activity: Plastic Audit (10 minutes)

• Task: In small groups, students list single-use plastics they use daily and brainstorm alternatives (e.g., reusable bottles, biodegradable packaging).

• Groups share their findings with the class.

3. Part 2: Microplastics and Their Impact (25 minutes)

Lecture/Presentation (15 minutes)

• Explain how microplastics are formed:

  • Breakdown of larger plastics.

  • Microbeads from personal care products.

  • Synthetic fibers from washing clothes.

• Highlight their presence in:

  • Oceans, soil, air, drinking water, and food (e.g., seafood and salt).

• Discuss health concerns:

  • Potential for chemical leaching and inflammation upon ingestion.

Visual Aid (Optional Experiment)

• Show magnified images of microplastics in water or sand.

• If feasible, simulate the release of microplastics during washing by using dyed fabric and a water filter.

Discussion (10 minutes)

• Ask students:

  • “Why are microplastics so difficult to eliminate?”

  • “How do they end up in food and water?”

4. Part 3: Solutions and Actions (15 minutes)

Lecture/Brainstorm (5 minutes)

• Share practical solutions:

  • Reduce single-use plastic consumption.

  • Support bans on microbeads and improved recycling practices.

  • Choose clothing made from natural fibers to minimize microplastic shedding.

Group Activity: Action Plan (10 minutes)

• Task: In groups, students create a 3-step action plan to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution at home or in their community.

• Groups present their plans briefly to the class.

5. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Recap the key takeaways:

  • The pervasive nature of plastics and microplastics.

  • Environmental and health consequences.

  • Steps we can take to reduce our reliance on plastics.

• Discussion Question:

  • “What small change will you make this week to reduce your plastic use?”

• Homework:

  • Write a reflective paragraph on how plastics impact ecosystems and propose a personal solution to reduce plastic use.

  • Create a social media post (e.g., infographic or video) to raise awareness about microplastics.

Assessment

• Participation in activities and group presentations.

• Engagement during discussions.

• Quality of homework and action plan ideas.

Short Video: Problems with Single-Use Plastics | Next Generation Science