Education Standards
Microplastics Presentation
Microplastics
Overview
This lesson will introduce students to plastics and microplastics, allowing them to identify various categories of microplastics and how they can reduce the amount of plastic that is used. Students will learn how the consumption of plastics impacts the environment.
In partnership with the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the legislature-funded ClimeTime program, the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment has created the Climate Literacy Fellows program.
Microplastics Lesson Overview
Lesson Title: Microplastics
Grade Level: 5th-6th Grade
Disciplinary Area: Earth and Human Activity
Duration: 45 minutes
Big Question:
How are microplastics created? How do micrplastics impact aquatic ecosystems?
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn about the different kinds of plastics and the difference between primary and secondary microplastics.
- Students will learn how to identify plastic types.
- Students will learn how plastics can get into the environment and the dangers they pose once in the environment.
Key Terms:
Plastic, Microplastics, Primary Microplastic, Secondary Microplastic, Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene
Standards:
Next Generation Science Standards
- 5-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth's resources and environment.
- MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
Materials:
| Material: | Link for Purchasing: |
| Plastic Boxes | Plastic Boxes |
| Sand | Sandbox Sand |
| Various Pieces of Microplastics | Different Kinds of Plastics |
| Mini Sifters | Mini Sifters |
| Laminated Sheet of Different Types of Microplastics | Included in Lesson PDF |
Authors: Ana Reyes, Gonzaga Class of 2023
Revised by Kali Natarajan, Climate Literacy Outreach Specialist 2024