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Naomi Wilkinson and some young helpers explore the problem that plastic waste poses for oceans and marine wildlife.

The plastic problem

This resource explores plastic waste and the problem it is causing the oceans. The film joins a group of children taking part in a litter-pick on their local beach and reveals just how much plastic waste can be found in our local areas.

The film explores how plastic waste can find its way into the oceans - through being washed down drains and also through toilets. In the ocean the plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller parts, which can be eaten by fish and thus enter the food chain. So it is a problem not just for marine animals but also for humans.

Points for discussion:

  • What is a plastic?
  • How can plastics end up in our rivers and seas?
  • How do plastics affect food chains?
  • How can plastic waste end up in places that humans do not live, like Henderson Island?
  • How can you help to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our rivers, seas and oceans?
  • What exciting things have scientists found or invented to help solve the plastic problem?

Suggested activities:

Following exploring the plastic problem in more detail, pupils could undertake a local litter-pick. Ensure appropriate clothing and equipment is used to keep everyone safe. Pupils could explore the varying types of litter collected, and then find out which could be recycled and how they could group the litter collected.

Pupils could work to write a letter to a local Member of Parliament or local business to ask for their support in reducing plastic waste and increasing opportunities to recycle. They could use any knowledge gained from the video, or their own research, to support their writing.

Over the course of a week, pupils could keep a diary showing every time they use plastic as part of their daily lives. Once the information has been collected, consider as a class what changes could be made to use less plastic. What could the plastic items used be replaced with?

Pupils could plan and carry out a science investigation to explore how long different materials take to decompose. Consider things such as paper, plants, plastic. Monitor over a period of time how quickly each decomposes and use the results to illustrate the impact of the plastic problem on the wider sustainability of the Earth.

This film is relevant for teaching Science and Geography within the National Curriculum in England and Northern Ireland at KS1, 1st Level in Scotland and the Science and Technology and Humanities Areas of Learning and Experience within the Curriculum for Wales.

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Further resources

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Plastic in drains enters the sea

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Dolphin with plastic waste

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Fish eating plastic
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The oceans of the world. video

Identifying and exploring the five oceans of the world.

The oceans of the world

Life beneath the waves. video

Exploring the characteristics of fish and some examples of wonderful marine life.

Life beneath the waves
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