This assembly looks at the issue of single use plastic. Children are asked initially to use words to describe an idyllic scene, which they later find out is cropped, and the image reveals a litter-strewn beach. The slides talk through the origins of plastic and explore some of the benefits of plastic, so children can understand how we have arrived at this situation. The assembly goes on to look at the drawbacks -in simple terms, not too hard-hitting or upsetting. The final part of this assembly encourages children to think about what they can do to address the situation. There are slides encouraging recycling, not using in the first place, and participation in litter picks. The assembly ends with a prayer, but a good alternative would also be a silent promise - one thing the children will do in the next week to help the situation. There are also external links to two clips that could be used in the assembly - one a classroom clip about different types of plastic and another You Tube clip that’s quite a nice opportunity to ask children what unsustainable choices the man is making, and what the drawbacks for him of each of his choices are. I hope you enjoy using this resource. It is such an important issue and I’m very pleased it is becoming increasingly topical. I would be grateful if you would leave a review, once you have used the assembly.

You can use this free downloadable plastic detox guide as seen in #LeadershipForSustainability by Dr David Dixon!

I made this poster as my school are trying to end single use plastic. It might be useful, or just an idea and you can adapt.

Use these cross-curricular worksheets to support the teaching of Science, Maths and Art and Design in KS1. They complement our book ‘Let’s Investigate Plastic Pollution’ from our FUNdamental Science series. Since the airing of Blue Planet 2, awareness of plastics and the importance of recycling has been on everyones lips - keep the discussion going with these free resources. For more information, downloads and to purchase our books, please visit www.rubytuesdaybooks.com These resources help meet the following National Curriculum targets across Science, Maths and Art and Design: KS1 Science: Working scientifically Statutory requirements Asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways. Observing closely, using simple equipment. Identifying and classifying. Using their observations and ideas to suggest answers to questions Gathering and recording data to help in answering questions. Notes and guidance (non-statutory): Pupils in years 1 and 2 should explore the world around them and raise their own questions. Science - Year 1: Everyday materials Statutory requirements: Distinguish between an object and the material from which it is made. Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock. Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials. Compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties. Science - Year 2: Uses of everyday materials Statutory requirements: Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses. Maths - Year 2: Statutory requirements: To construct and interpret simple tally charts. Notes and guidance (non-statutory): To record, interpret collate, organise and compare information. Art and Design: Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences. To use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.

This engaging and thought provoking PowerPoint explores the environmental impact of plastic, designed specifically for secondary school students. Through powerful statistics and clear explanations, students examine the scale of plastic pollution in our oceans and on land, including the millions of tonnes of waste entering ecosystems each year. The resource encourages learners to think critically about how plastic affects wildlife, habitats, and the planet as a whole. Students are guided to consider practical, real-world solutions such as reducing single-use plastics, choosing sustainable alternatives, recycling effectively, and promoting responsible consumer choices. Interactive tasks encourage creativity and active participation, including designing a school-based recycling initiative or awareness campaign. Ideal for Geography, Science, PSHE, or environmental studies lessons. It promotes discussion, critical thinking, and meaningful action within both school and the wider community. Download includes: Powerpoint x 1 Powerpoint includes starter task, information, video, discussion points, and two tasks for students to complete Ideal for a cover lesson

The IB English B Listening resource pack consists of an interview from a podcast about single-use plastics. The exercise provides you practice with multiple-choice and short answer questions. The audio is an example of one of texts in the IB Language B Listening Comprehension in English. It can be used for part of a mock exam or revision practice. The resource pack includes the following: Question Sheet Audio File Script and Answers

A single lesson on plastic pollution and where we go from here. Suitable for KS3. Includes a worksheet and resources to print (within the powerpoint) that can be used for independent work.

War on Plastic Documentary Question and answer worksheet to accompany BBC documentary series War on Plastic - episode 1. Designed for use with a year 9 group studying plastic pollution. A teacher answer sheet is provided and there is an optional extension exam task. Can also be used as a stand alone homework task. Topics include: Pollution Single-use plastic Plastic pollution - impacts on developing country Activism and action for change

Lesson title: What is the ‘Plastic Problem’? Lesson objectives: Review why plastic is becoming a problem for the environment Lesson content: Single use plastic, effects of plastic, how objects biodegrade.

Engaging Key Stage 3 and 4 Assembly on Plastic Free July Are you ready to inspire your students during Plastic Free July? This engaging assembly is designed specifically for Key Stage 3 and 4 students, bringing a fresh and fun approach to the important conversation about reducing plastic waste. Packed with fascinating facts, interactive activities, and thought-provoking discussions, this assembly aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic. Students will discover simple yet effective ways to get involved, including challenges that encourage them to ditch single-use plastics, adopt sustainable alternatives, and share their journey with peers and family. We’ll showcase real-life examples of schools and communities making a difference, along with exciting initiatives that your students can participate in throughout the month. The assembly not only educates but also empowers students to take action, fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging to a larger movement. Join the fight against plastic pollution and equip your students with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices. Perfect for assemblies that spark creativity and collaboration, don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a lasting impact! Ideal for inspiring change in your school community!

Presentation on plastic and its dangers in our world. I have shown it to my 11-14 year olds and it provoked a huge reaction and ‘call to arms’ to rid single use plastic in the school

This is a stand alone lesson, or can be used as part of a SOW on oceans or sustainability. It covers: An introduction into what plastic is. True or false for surprising facts. A card sort to show a time line of how single use plastic ends up in the oceans. The impacts of plastic in the Oceans. Extended writing: persuasive piece. Full power point and resources ready to pick up and teach.

In this chemistry Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson, students investigate the different properties of plastics. In groups students design an investigation testing either thermal insulation or tensile strength. Included are teacher resources with an investigation template. This is a single lesson from the Ocean Plastics Science unit. Ocean Plastics Science is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource combining both biology and chemistry. Students are taken on the journey of plastic. Exploring how plastics are manufactured, used, and disposed into the ocean. Students will learn the science behind what makes plastics both brilliant for everyday purposes and devastating to our oceans and marine life. Included in this topic are teacher resources that promote students to conduct authentic research, emulating research conducted by The University of Plymouth. Students will test the properties of plastics, investigate compostable alternatives, and analyse case studies to discover how plastics can physically and chemically harm marine life. If you liked this resource, please rate and review below. This will help to promote oceans education in schools worldwide.

Plastic journey: global plastic problems is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson. The UK exports over half a million tonnes of recovered plastic packaging each year. Historically, much of this was to China, but with a ban on waste imports other solutions and destinations have been sought. Students start by mapping the destinations of plastic waste exports before and after China’s ban, analysing the changes. Then students consider the UK’s options using a range of information, before ranking these and creating a proposal for government action. This is a single lesson from Ocean Plastic Geography. Ocean Plastics Geography is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource. The lessons address the issue of marine plastic pollution, the harm caused by plastics to the environment and communities, how we deal with all the waste, ending with a debate on approaches to reducing ocean plastic pollution. Fieldwork templates for investigating plastics in the local area are included as well as a wealth of case studies exploring both the human and physical elements of plastic pollution. Get the whole unit’s resources here:https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics

The Plastic Challenge is the Marine Conservation Society’s annual month-long challenge to avoid and reduce consumption of single-use plastics. In this lesson, students will consider how they, your school and the local community can reduce their environmental impact by helping to reduce the amount of litter being produced, used and disposed of. Includes fact file to support teaching, activities, Waste Funnel diagram, Plastic Challenge planning sheet, and links to follow-up learning. Linked to national curriculum in England, Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland, Curriculum for Wales, and Eco-Schools topics. Lesson 5 in Marine Litter series: https://www.mcsuk.org/what-you-can-do/fun-learning/primary-learning/teaching-resources/ks2-p7/marine-litter/#5-the-plastic-challenge

This is an activity designed to get children discussing the impact of plastics, single use plastics and the positive and negative impacts of plastics. Children read a selection of statements and then decide if they are a positive or negative impact of plastics. Once the strips have been sorted the children can then be split into teams to use the strips to debate the impact of plastic on our society.

Get children to really consider the impact of plastics on the environment. This resource includes information sheets on how people can reduce the use of single-use plastics and the effect of plastics on the environment. This resource complements our book ‘Let’s Investigate Plastic Pollution’ from our FUNdamental Science series. For more information, downloads and to purchase our books, please visit: www.rubytuesdaybooks.com Since the airing of Blue Planet 2, awareness of plastics and the importance of our impact on the planet has been on everyones lips - keep the discussion going with these free resources. This download helps meet the following National Curriculum targets: Science - Year 1 Materials Statutory requirements Identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass, metal, water, and rock. Science - Year 2 Uses of everyday materials Statutory requirements Identify and compare the suitability of a variety of everyday materials, including wood, metal, plastic, glass, brick, rock, paper and cardboard for particular uses. Find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting and stretching (could include biodegrading) Extracurricular Children to learn about their wider responsibilities in their communities.

Powerpoint presentation that shows how long every day plastic items take to decompose. There is a strong focus on educating people about single use plastic, especially straws and plastic bags. Originally created for an Indonesian and tourist market, the last slide can be used to learn how to say NO to plastic.

Plastic oceans: can we reduce ocean plastic waste? is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson. Experts agree on the need for urgent action to tackle the issue of marine plastic pollution but disagree on the what methods should be prioritised. Students will look at two main schools of thought: ‘turn off the taps’, stopping plastic from entering the ocean by reducing plastic pollution, limiting single-use plastic use, improving waste management, and introducing alternative products; and ‘bail out the bath’, removing plastic waste from the ocean and beaches. Students engage in a silent debate followed by a group discussion to focus on what they believe is the most effective solution. This is a single lesson from Ocean Plastic Geography. Ocean Plastics Geography is a Key Stage 3 (KS3) resource. The lessons address the issue of marine plastic pollution, the harm caused by plastics to the environment and communities, how we deal with all the waste, ending with a debate on approaches to reducing ocean plastic pollution. Fieldwork templates for investigating plastics in the local area are included as well as a wealth of case studies exploring both the human and physical elements of plastic pollution. Get the whole unit’s resources here:https://encounteredu.com/teachers/units/ocean-plastics

Plastic Galore - Rethink, Refuse, Repurpose. This is a lesson with a resource activity to teach KS2 about the importance of reducing the production of plastic, why it matters, and how to do so in everyday situations. This resource includes: Powerpoint file with 19 slides Double sided “Dicey business” activity sheet Learning Objectives: To understand the word ‘biodegradable’ and how this relates to materials we use every day. To identify the pros and cons of the material ‘plastic’. To know about single-use plastic and why this has become a serious problem for the environment. To begin to understand how we can all make better choices linked to single-use plastic. You will need: [Optional] Plastic bottles, string, scissors, sticks. Visit bumblegreen books to learn more about our projects and resources.

These resources have been put together to support a series of lessons that will help your school to raise awareness of the issues surrounding single use plastics. The resources will allow you to deliver a range of content and allow the students to explore the concerns that they might have, share their views and investigate their own plastic usage, the impact on plastics on our world and to find out ways in which they could make a change. They will look at how their school could change and how they can see a future that uses resources in a different way. We see it as a vital part of education that children are able to make decisions that will have an impact on the future of the planet that they will inherit. The changes that individuals can make don’t have to cost a lot of money, they can be simple swaps, tiny tweaks in how we shop, how we eat and how we dispose of our waste. These resources have been designed by a fully qualified teacher.