STEAM: Real World Problems: Plastic Pollution

Last time in STEAM we discussed some 

REAL WORLD PROBLEMS.  

Did you know that the plastic bottles and other products that you put in your recycle bin often end up in the garbage dump, and eventually blown into nearby bodies of water and eventually out into the ocean?

We learned about how much plastic waste is generated every day (8 million pieces), and that this waste is a major health hazard for marine birds, mammals and fish, as well as us. We also learned what little steps we can all take to decrease the amount of plastic waste in our world (refuse to use a straw at restaurants, get a water filter pitcher at home and fill reusable bottles with it, and use reusable shopping bags instead of the thin plastic bags). 

https://www.campliveoakfl.com/56-best-plastic-bottle-craft-ideas-for-kids/

The activity is about decreasing the amount of plastic pollution in the oceans.   

Start by asking the kids what they already know about plastic pollution.  Share the fast facts with them. Show the 3 video clips about the topic. Ask the kids if they have any ideas on how to decrease plastic pollution. Show them the plastic bottle craft ideas, and ask if they have any of their own ideas on how to repurpose a plastic bag or bottle.

Explain the craft, and why it was chosen (instead of bottles in the ocean, we are going to make an ocean in a bottle).

Let the kids make their crafts. 

  

Real-World Connection

To set-up the program, I shared videos of actual plastic pollution in the oceans (mostly consisting of plastic bottles), and then let the kids make a craft or bird feeder out of plastic bottles to bring home and play with or use.