All About Plastics

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this activity, learners will:
  • Understand plastics, their history and their application in life
  • Describe the life cycle of plastics
  • Understand how much plastic waste ends up in the environment

Curriculum Connections

Alberta
Science
4. A - Waste and our World - 4–5 Recognize that human activity can lead to the production of wastes, and identify alternatives for the responsible use and disposal of materials.
7. A - Interactions and Ecosystems - 1. Investigate and describe relationships between humans and their environments, and identify related issues and scientific questions; 2. Trace and interpret the flow of energy and materials within an ecosystem; 3. Monitor a local environment, and assess the impacts of environmental factors on the growth, health and reproduction of organisms in that environment; 4. Describe the relationships among knowledge, decisions and actions in maintaining life-supporting environments
8. E - Freshwater and Saltwater Systems - 1. Describe the distribution and characteristics of water in local and global environments, and identify the significance of water supply and quality to the needs of humans and other living things; 4. Analyze human impacts on aquatic systems; and identify the roles of science and technology in addressing related questions, problems and issues
Social Studies
3.2.2 explore the concept of global citizenship by reflecting upon the following question for inquiry:
What are some environmental concerns that Canada and communities around the world share?
4.1.1 value Alberta’s physical geography and natural environment
4.1.4 analyze how Albertans interact with their environment by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
How are natural resources used by Albertans (i.e., agriculture, oil and natural gas, forests, coal)? 
5.1.1 value Canada’s physical geography and natural environment:
demonstrate care and concern for the environment through their choices and actions
6.1.6 analyze how individuals, groups and associations within a community impact decision making of local and provincial governments by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
How can individuals, groups and associations within a community participate in the decision-making process regarding current events or issues (i.e., lobbying, petitioning, organizing and attending local meetings and rallies, contacting elected representatives)? 
Ontario
Science
4.A1.1 use a scientific research process and associated skills to conduct investigations
4.A1.5 communicate their findings, using science and technology vocabulary and formats that are appropriate for specific audiences and purposes
4.B1.1 assess positive and negative impacts of human activities on habitats and communities, while taking different perspectives into account
7.C1.1 analyse the social and environment impacts of the use and disposal of pure substances found in technological devices, considering local and global perspectives
C1.1 analyse the social and environment impacts of the use and disposal of pure substances found in technological devices, considering local and global perspectives
Social Studies
7.B3.2 describe ways in which people use the natural environment, including specific elements within it, to meet their needs and wants

Length of Activity

2 hours

Materials List

  • Internet-enabled device
  • Book: The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle by Allison Inches
  • Learner Worksheet

Online Lesson Format