Bioplastics (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)
I can describe how long it takes for plastics to decompose and how to make an alternative degradable bioplastic.
Bioplastics (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)
I can describe how long it takes for plastics to decompose and how to make an alternative degradable bioplastic.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- It takes up to 500 years for plastics to decompose.
- Discarded plastics are causing problems in our seas and on our land, for animals including humans.
- Scientists have discovered ways to make bioplastics or biodegradable plastics.
- Bioplastics can be made from starch.
- Scientists can observe bioplastics over time to find out how long it takes them to decompose.
Keywords
Plastic - Plastic is a material which is made from oil and can be moulded.
Decompose - To decompose is to break down or decay.
Degradable - If something is degradable, it can be broken down into the simple parts that made it.
Bioplastic - A bioplastic is a plastic made from materials which come from sustainable sources such as plants.
Observe - To observe is to look very closely and use other senses too.
Common misconception
Bioplastics do not cause any environmental problems.
Teaching slides explain what the limitations of current bioplastics are, and that scientists are still working on their development.
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Bioplastics (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 5 science lesson on: Bioplastics (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Properties, changes and separating materials unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Cooker, small saucepan, wooden spoon, teaspoons, beakers, a small plate, water, cornflour, glycerine and white vinegar.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
