Plastic Pollution: How Humans Are Turning the World into Plastic
Videos
Grades9, 10, 11, 12Biology, Health
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Provided by Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell
What it is
- This video from Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell includes the history of plastic, a description of different plastics and their uses, marine pollution, microplastics, biomagnification, and plastics found in humans.
- The video concludes with observations on the complicated role of plastic and specific action items to reduce plastic pollution.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The video offers a nuanced view instead of just claiming to "ban all plastics." (For example, plastic is used in life-saving medical equipment and to keep food fresh in places that lack robust refrigeration networks.)
- Beautiful animations bring this video to life.
Prerequisites
- You may have to watch an ad before and/or during the video.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Social studies or civics students can research specific legislation banning plastic. Many municipal governments in the United States have plastic bag bans or similar legislation to reduce plastic pollution.
- Students can create a campaign in their school or community to ban single-use plastics. Campaigns could include specific items like water bottles, plastic bags, or balloons. More robust campaigns would change systems, such as the removal of vending machines, changing plastic-intensive holiday traditions such as birthdays, Halloween, or Valentine's Day, or changing systems in the cafeteria.
- Art students can watch this video before analyzing murals called "Sea of Plastic" or "Plastic Culture."
From the scientist review
This resource video accurately characterizes the complexity of the plastic pollution problem. It is a multifaceted dilemma that does not have one single solution. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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