Resource

Plastic Pollution (KS2)

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.

Slaughter and May logo

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Design a Community Centre

In this lesson pupils will consider the varying needs and interests of a range of fictional characters and design a community centre and activity programme that matches their requirements.  …

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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…

More Community resources

Class Posters, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

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.

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Climate Action: Using the Law to Drive Change

In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate...

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

How Can I Make a Difference?

In this lesson pupils will think about how they can plan a social action project. They will be led through key steps by following the example of the Go-Givers.  …

More Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Debt?

Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...

Lessons, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Exploring Our Community

In this lesson pupils will research what is meant by the word ‘community’. Pupils will think about who lives in their area and what services and facilities there are for…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

COVID and the Economy

During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore...

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Children’s Rights

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Homelessness

In this lesson pupils will think about what home means to them through writing a poem inspired by the line ‘Home is where the heart is’. They will consider the…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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…

More Sustainability and the Environment resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Plastic Pollution (KS1)

During this lesson children explore the environmental effects of plastic pollution by carrying out a number of experiments. They then go on to consider how they can take action against…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Protecting Local Habitats (KS2)

In this lesson pupils will learn about the importance of habitats and explore endangered British species and the threats to their habitat. Pupils will be guided through ways in which…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

World Female Ranger Day (KS2)

During this lesson 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…

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Certificates, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Being an Explorer (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Explore the World Around Us. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values,…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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…

Certificates, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring for our World (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We are Part of a World-Wide Community. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills…