How is plastic damaging the environment?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and the challenges in reducing plastic use and propose strategies to reduce plastic waste.
Key learning points
- Plastic pollution harms ecosystems, oceans, and wildlife by causing ingestion and entanglement.
- It can take thousands of years for plastic to break down and so it accumulates in landfills and natural environments.
- The convenience, affordability, and durability of plastic make it difficult to replace.
- Strategies to reduce plastic waste include recycling, cutting single-use plastic and policy change.
Keywords
Plastic - an artificial material mostly made from oil or natural gas which can be moulded and shaped
Pollution - when harmful substances or waste are released into the environment, causing damage to nature and living creatures
Recycling - the process of collecting and turning used materials into new products
Sustainable - using resources and making choices in a way that does not harm the environment
Common misconception
There are no alternatives to plastic.
There are lots of alternatives to plastic that are easier to break down or recycle and therefore have less of an environmental impact, for example, glass and metal.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to consider how their actions can reduce plastic waste and discuss ways they can influence those in power, like local councillors, to support policy changes.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each term with the correct definition.
basic freedoms and protections every person is entitled to
a community of living organisms and their environment
the natural world around us, including air, water and living things
people are accountable for helping to solve global problems
Q2.Which of the following is an example of a human rights issue?
Q3.What is one way citizens can bring about change in their communities?
Q4.Complete the sentence with the correct word: "One way to help your community is by , such as helping at a food bank or tutoring younger students."
Q5.Which of the following is an example of activism?
Q6.Which materials are considered biodegradable?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word with its correct definition.
harmful substances or waste that can damage the environment
the process of collecting and turning used materials into new products
using resources and making choices that do not harm the environment
Q2.Complete the sentence with the correct word: takes thousands of years to break down, which is why it is such a big problem for the environment.
Q3.Which of the following is a harmful effect of plastic pollution on wildlife?
Q4.Which of these are actions we can take to reduce plastic waste?
Q5.Which of the following are reasons that plastic pollution is so difficult to solve?
Q6.What is one strategy to help reduce plastic waste?
To help you plan your 8 citizenship lesson on: How is plastic damaging the environment?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 citizenship lesson on: How is plastic damaging the environment?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the What can we do about global problems? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.