Oceans Plastics

The scene lets students explore the different plastic items that end up in the ocean. Students will explore a beach and ocean, observe the variety of household plastic items that end up in the sea as waste, especially single use plastics. They will observe how microplastics enter the food chain as well as the hazards plastic items create for sea life.

# Learning objectives

1: To understand that plastics cause pollution.{.info}

2: To describe how plastics reach the oceans.{.info}

3: To explain the impact that plastics can have on the ocean.{.info}


# Properties of Plastic{.objective .objective1}

Students will learn about the properties of plastic and their role as packaging for everyday items such as food and drinks. They will learn about how the properties of plastic make it a useful material. They will begin to explore the disadvantages of these properties. They will enter the scene and identify the different types of plastic items.

# Plastics and Pollution{.objective .objective2}

Students will learn about the role of plastics in land and water pollution. They will learn that plastic items generate a large proportion of household waste and eventually end up making their way to the sea depending on how and where they are disposed of. Students will be asked to explore the scene and identify clues suggesting the plastic items are commonly found in the home.

# Plastics and Wildlife{.objective .objective3}

Students will learn about the impact of plastic on sea life. They will learn that plastic breaks down to produce microplastics that enter the food chain as sea creatures digest them. Students will learn that plastic objects can create hazards for sea life. Students will be asked to explore the scene and identify the type of hazards plastics create. They will be asked to identify the type of plastic waste that creates the physical hazards.