Plastic challenge

This resource contains a series of lessons which are designed to extend students’ knowledge and understanding of plastics and plastic waste on a global scale. Linking to materials and their properties, the environment, recycling and design and technology, they contain investigations and activities aimed at both primary and secondary level.

These activities include: sorting and identifying plastics based on their properties, plastic production, making plastic in the classroom, comparing oil-based and bio-plastics and their environmental impact, which materials take the longest to decompose and the efficacy of recycling plastic.

There is also a series of activities which involve designing, making and evaluating products from waste plastics, for a UK or international market.

Provided by Practical Action, the resource includes teachers’ notes, a classroom presentation, poster and a Crest Awards Discovery Passport.