Overview
Find out more about the impact of plastic on our oceans. Watch this introductory video and use our free resources.
Explore the importance of the oceans and the impact that plastic pollution is having on marine ecosystems with our free classroom resources aimed at KS2 pupils.
The resources will introduce pupils to the eXXpedition project, an all-female voyage that is travelling the world to conduct research and raise awareness of the issue of plastic pollution and its impact. The resources explore what plastic is and why it is so widely used. Pupils discover what actions are currently taking place to tackle plastic pollution, before being challenged to identify the skills and attributes they possess to become part of a positive movement of change.
The resource is split into three parts:
- Part 1: The ocean and plastic
- Part 2: The problem with plastic
- Part 3: Saving the world
Each part lasts approximately 2 hours. Where schools choose to deliver each session on different days we would recommend these are delivered as close together as possible to ensure maximum impact. Alternatively the resource could be run as a ‘drop down day’ where the year group is taken off timetable for the entire day to focus on this topic. A suggested timetable for drop down day delivery has been included to help you.
“Plastic pollution and the scale of it is such a huge problem for our environment and it is so important that we educate, inspire and equip our young generation with the knowledge and tools that they could use to have a real impact in the future. The Young Citizens resources easily enable teachers to do this.”
– Charlotte Preston, Y4 Teacher, Christchurch CofE Primary School, Purley.
Acknowledgments:
This classroom resource was developed in partnership with international law firm Slaughter and May. Their support has enabled this specialist resource to be distributed to schools for free.
We are also hugely grateful to the team at eXXpedition for their support in the development of the content for this resource.

More Lessons resources
What is Philanthropy?
In this lesson pupils will learn about the meaning of the word philanthropy through looking at real life examples. They will consider why philanthropy is important and what motivates philanthropists.…
Democracy (Part 3): Why Do We Have Laws?
This lesson forms the final part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about democracy and the rule of law. They discover the different roles of parliament, government and…
Cyberbullying (SmartLaw Subscription)
According to research by the charity Ditch the Label, 7 in 10 young people have experienced cyberbullying, 20% of whom experience it daily. Support your students to know their legal…
More Community resources
Being Part of a School Community
During this lesson pupils recap what we mean by the term active citizen. They consider what qualities and skills an active citizen should have and explore how these skills and…
Belonging to Groups
This assembly asks children to think about the groups they belong to, and how groups can be used for good or bad. It includes ideas for demonstrating how we can…
Who Keeps us Healthy?
In this lesson pupils consider what being healthy means and who plays a role in keeping the population healthy. The coronavirus pandemic is given as an example of populations taking…
More Politics and Democracy resources
An Introduction to Human Rights
In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are challenged to consider if there are circumstances when human rights could…
The Economy Quiz
In this short, 15 minute activity students use all they have learnt from earlier lessons to complete a quiz all about the economy. Before delivering this activity, students will need…
Plastic Pollution (KS2)
Find out more about the impact of plastic on our oceans. Watch this introductory video and use our free...
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
We are Change-Makers (poster)
We stand up for what we believe in and use our voice for good. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.
The G7 (Lesson Plan)
During this two lesson resource pupils learn about the G7 and take part in a mock G7 Summit meeting. During the first lesson pupils explore the history and function…
Inspirational People – Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole
This assembly is an introduction to the lives of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. You may like to run it in conjunction with the lesson ‘Inspirational People.’ To access…
More Sustainability and the Environment resources
World Female Ranger Day (KS2 assembly)
During this assembly children will learn about World Female Ranger Day. Pupils will explore where the continent of Africa is and learn about its unique wildlife, and why it needs protecting…
Controversial issues: guidance for schools
Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…
Pollution: Expedition to Planet Blueball
This lesson explores the issues of pollution of our planet and sustainable power. It is based around an animated story, involving the Go-Givers characters, in which creatures from a friendly…
More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources
What is a Citizen?
In this lesson pupils will be encouraged to think of themselves as citizens with the potential to make a positive difference in society. The lesson opens with the traditional tale…
My Community
During this lesson pupils consider what we mean by the word community and are challenged to think about all the different community groups they belong to and how it feels…
The G7 (Lesson Plan)
During this two lesson resource pupils learn about the G7 and take part in a mock G7 Summit meeting. During the first lesson pupils explore the history and function…
More resource packs
Related content
Democracy resources for ages 5-11
It’s never too early to learn how the country is run.