Plastic in our daily lives

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 necessitated 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 yeras old

Learning outcome:

• be aware of the problem of plastic waste;
• learn about the impact of plastic waste on climate change and our health;
• recognize 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 program

1-st indoor lesson: 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.

2-nd indoor lesson: "Stepped 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.

Already done 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.

Class hour: 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/