Plastic in our daily lives

A creative project for students to explore plastic waste in school and create posters and digital films to encourage waste reduction. 

In recent decades, plastic has gradually become an integral part of our everyday lives. Plastic is produced from crude oil, which is a non-renewable resource in limited availability and has a significant impact on the climate. Precisely because of the qualities that have encouraged the mass use of plastic - lightness and durability, it gets into the environment easily, travels long distances and will stay there for many years.

Age group: 14-19 years old

Learning outcome:

• be aware of the problem of plastic waste;
• learn about the impact of plastic waste on climate change and our health;
• recognise ways to reduce the plastic waste.

• 2 hours indoor education;
• a week for outdoor activities (concept and scenario, video making, editing and presentation).

• teacher’s presentation about plastic waste;
• mobile phones and video editing programme

Indoor activities 

1st indoor lesson: Introduction 

The teacher introduces students to the problem of plastic waste. Through a presentation, educational videos and materials, students gain basic knowledge about what is plastic; composition and distribution of plastic; types of plastic; rules of plastic recycling; plastics and our health and what are endocrine disruptors.

2nd indoor lesson: "Steeped in Plastic" Challenge

Explore the plastic in your classroom. For one week track how much plastic you use during school hours. At the end of the week make a plan with suggestions on how you can reduce your use of single-use plastics.

• Make a poster with suggestions for your classmates.

• Make a map of places around school where you can buy things without single-use plastic.

Here you can find practical hints on how to reduce waste at school, together with a Sample Action Plan to Reduce School Waste.

Outdoor activities

Within one more week, plan a scenario and produce a video that demonstrates the problem of litter in your city. Make a proposal to tackle it.

Case study video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_Wp4eowuXOM&sfnsn=mo

Nature sciences: environmental protection and sustainability, consumer education

Information technologies: video making and editing

Art: Designing photographs, creating collage, presentation, poster, map etc.

Citizenship: civil responsibility; community engagement.

Useful links:

https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/guides/singleuseplastics/healthimpacts

https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/guides/singleuseplastics/healthimpacts

https://www.ciel.org/plasticandclimate/