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
The Selfish Little Red Hen
In this lesson pupils will read and discuss the tale of the Selfish Little Red Hen who does not offer her friend any help as she prepares for a party.…
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…
Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 2)
Pupils will learn that councils are responsible for local spending decisions and can raise additional funds for public services through council taxes. To access this content, register for our School…
More Community resources
We Make a Difference in Our Communities (poster)
We know that positive change starts with many small actions. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.
Water: Our Most Precious Resource
In this lesson pupils will learn about the qualities of water and why it is vital to life on Earth. They will consider the problems facing people who cannot…
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…
More Politics and Democracy resources
You Decide! (KS3)
This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...
Democracy (Part 1): What is a General Election?
This lesson forms the first part of a three-part unit on Democracy. Pupils explore the meaning of ‘democracy’, and the ways in which citizens can participate in democratic life in…
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
COP: Climate Action
In November 2021, COP26 took place in Glasgow. It was the most pivotal climate summit of all time. This resources will explore what COP is and what COP26 aimed to…
The Value of Trees
This lesson is one of a collection which examine environmental issues. In this lesson pupils will learn about the role trees play in supporting life on Earth and their importance…
Voting and the General Election
This resource pack is the second of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
More Sustainability and the Environment resources
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…
Litter: The Picnic (Assembly)
With the help of one of the Go-Givers puppets or a soft toy, this assembly highlights how the rubbish we discard can and spoil the environment and endanger wildlife. The…
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…
More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources
Climate Change
Learners explore what climate change is and what is causing it. They consider who is responsible for climate change: individuals, politicians, businesses? They are then challenged to think of a…
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…
Conflict: Part 1 – Reacting to Conflict
In this lesson pupils will take part in discussions relating to situations of conflict. Pupils will consider actions which provoke conflict and actions which can help to calm conflict. They…