an artificial material mostly made from oil or natural gas which can be moulded and shaped

when harmful substances or waste are released into the environment, causing damage to nature and living creatures

the process of collecting and turning used materials into new products

using resources and making choices in a way that does not harm the environment

How is plastic damaging the environment?

Citizenship

Using a range of case studies from human rights to fracking and climate action, pupils consider how they can take responsible action to tackle some of the challenges currently facing society.

What can we do about global problems?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

harmful substances or waste that can damage the environment

using resources and making choices that do not harm the environment

Match each word with its correct definition.

Complete the sentence with the correct word: {{}} takes thousands of years to break down, which is why it is such a big problem for the environment.

Plastic can be ingested and enter the food chain.

Which of the following is a harmful effect of plastic pollution on wildlife?

switch to reusable bags, bottles and containers

dispose of plastics in regular rubbish bins

buy products with less or no plastic packaging

campaign and lobby for policies that limit plastic and encourage recycling

Which of these are actions we can take to reduce plastic waste?

Plastic is cheap, durable and difficult to replace.

Plastic disappears quickly in the environment.

Which of the following are reasons that plastic pollution is so difficult to solve?

Use more single-use plastic bags and containers.

Ignore the problem and wait for it to fix itself.

Encourage more recycling and use of sustainable products.

What is one strategy to help reduce plastic waste?

basic freedoms and protections every person is entitled to

a community of living organisms and their environment

the natural world around us, including air, water and living things

people are accountable for helping to solve global problems

Match each term with the correct definition.

a country’s government denying people the right to vote

a country building new roads for easier travel

a country improving healthcare for its citizens

a country organising sports events for young people

Which of the following is an example of a human rights issue?

ignoring problems and hoping someone else will fix them

taking part in local decisions and actions that benefit everyone

keeping their ideas to themselves and not speaking out

What is one way citizens can bring about change in their communities?

Complete the sentence with the correct word: "One way to help your community is by {{}}, such as helping at a food bank or tutoring younger students."

starting a petition and encouraging others to sign it

watching a documentary about social issues

discussing problems without taking action

ignoring a cause because it doesn't affect you

Which of the following is an example of activism?

Which materials are considered biodegradable?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

How is plastic damaging the environment?

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.