Our Plastic Consumption Footprint

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this activity, learners will:
  • Be able to identify different types of plastics, and their recyclability
  • Exhibit an awareness of their plastic consumption lifestyle and how much plastic waste can be attributed to their current lifestyle
  • Understand how behaviour change can create a positive impact on reducing plastic waste in our communities and around the world

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

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
Ontario
Science
4.B1.1 assess positive and negative impacts of human activities on habitats and communities, while taking different perspectives into account
7.D1.1 evaluate environmental, social, and economic factors that should be considered when designing and building structures to meet specific needs for individuals and communities
Social Studies
4.B1.1 analyse some of the general ways in which the natural environment of regions in Canada has affected the development of industry
4.B1.3 describe some key actions taken by both industries and citizens to address the need for more sustainable use of land and resources
4.B2.5 evaluate evidence and draw conclusions about issues and challenges associated with balancing human needs/wants and activities with environmental stewardship in Canada
7.B2.1 formulate questions to guide investigations into issues related to the impact of the extraction/ harvesting and/or use of natural resources around the world from a geographic perspective
8.A3.5 describe various ways in which human settlement has affected the environment

Length of Activity

45-60 minutes

Materials List

  • Internet-enabled device
  • Locus of control worksheet
  • Topic Backgrounder

Online Lesson Format