How do we protect our world from plastic?

Step 1: Introduction/Dialouge

In the sitting circle, the facilitator lays out various plastic objects in the centre. The children first observe carefully which objects are placed in the centre. Afterwards, the children describe which objects are placed in the centre and what they have in common (plastic material). The children are introduced to today’s lesson’s topic by the facilitator, e.g.: How do we protect our world from plastic? The facilitator writes the title on the board (approx. 15min)

Step 2: Elaboration/group puzzle

The facilitator brings along a story. They read the story to the children while still sitting in a circle. >Otherwise some parts of the story can be read in front of the class by a student. The facilitator explains that the class will be divided into groups A and B. They should first read the text individually, work through the questions, and mark the corresponding passages (approx. 25 min).

Questions for Group A:

- In the story, some plastic objects are mentioned. Write down 5!

- Sarah explained to Sophie and Matty how plastic waste in the ocean can be avoided. Mark the appropriate passages in the text! Write down 2 possibilities!

Questions for Group B:

- In the story, some plastic items are mentioned. Write down 5!

- Sarah explained to Sophie and Matty how plastic waste gets into the sea. Mark the appropriate passages in the text! Write down 2 possible ways!

After the individual work, the children go to their home groups together and compare their results (approx. 10 min). After the results have been compared, the children form expert groups. One child from group A pairs with one child from group B. The children explain their results of the second task to each other and mark the text passages that were also marked by the other group.

Step 3: Reflection/frontal teaching

In the plenary, the group work results are discussed shortly.  Further ideas for handling plastic can be now collected and written down to the board. The following questions can be raised for stimulation:

- When do I encounter plastic in everyday life? When playing, when cooking/eating...?

- What do I do with plastic objects? Do I throw them away immediately? Do I sometimes keep them longer? Do I throw plastic, organic, and paper waste in the same garbage can?

- What can I do to use plastic responsibly?

This lesson outline can be used as a lead-in for project lessons: Collecting plastic waste in the school yard.

Alternatives for online lessons:

- Delivered via video call (Zoom, teams, or similar).

- Pictures of the items are shown in the introduction

- Groups are sent into breakout sessions

- In reflection, a board picture can be constructed via screen sharing using Flinga (https://flinga.fi/)

• Additional material Plastic