Loading...
Please wait, while we are loading the content...
Similar Documents
The Plastisphere: Plastic Migration and Its Impacts
| Content Provider | TeachEngineering: STEM curriculum for K-12 |
|---|---|
| Author | Bennett, David Hettenbach, Sara Welch, William |
| Copyright Year | 2018 |
| Description | Students learn how plastics in the human trash stream end up as microplastic particles entering the food chains via polluted water, harming animals and people. They think of ways to reuse or replace the common plastic items they discard daily. They learn how microplastics persist in the environment and are accumulating in gyres around the planet. They also learn the basic wastewater treatment plants stages including reclaiming material resources. This background information prepares students to conduct three associated hands-on activities. Students are introduced to the growing worldwide environmental problems that stem from plastic waste. What they learn about microplastics and the typical components of the U.S. water treatment process prepares them to conduct three engaging associated activities. During the lesson, students become more aware of the pervasiveness and value of plastic as well as the downstream pollution and health dangers. They learn how plastic materials don’t go away, but become microplastic pollution that accumulates in water resources as well as human and other animal bodies. They examine their own plastic use, focusing on what they discard daily, and think about better ways to produce or package those items to eliminate or reduce their likelihood of ending up as microplastic pollution. A concluding writing assignment reveals their depth of comprehension. The lesson is enhanced by arranging for a local water treatment plant representative to visit the class for Qs and As. In three associated activities, students design/test microplastic particle filtering methods for commercial products, create mini wastewater treatment plant working models that remove waste and reclaim resources from simulated wastewater, and design experiments to identify the impact of microplastics on micro-invertebrates. |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Rights Holder | Regents of The University of Colorado University of Kansas |
| Subject Keyword | Life Science Problem Solving Science and Technology |
| Content Type | Text Video |
| Time Required | PT1H |
| Education Level | Class IX Class X Class XI Class XII |
| Pedagogy | Lecture cum Demonstration |
| Resource Type | Notes |
| Subject | Biology Technical |
