Lesson Plan - Plastic vs. the Planet

Watch a Video: What You Need to Know About Plastic Pollution

Discuss: Why is it a problem that plastic does not break down completely?

Preview Words to Know

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• decompose 
• degrades

Set a Purpose for Reading

Use the “As You Read” question to have students look for details about why recycling plastic is difficult.

1. How do the photos on page 3 support the article? One photo shows a girl with a plastic shopping bag. The other shows a marine animal about to eat a plastic bag. Together, the photos show how our use of plastic can affect wildlife.

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2. Summarize the section “Fixing the Problem.” The section explains that people are working to help more plastic get recycled. Scientists are developing plastic that doesn’t degrade when recycled, and cities have passed laws to cut down on single-use plastics. People can help by properly recycling, and companies can help by producing less plastic.

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3. According to the sidebar, how can people “shop smarter”? The sidebar explains that people can shop smarter by using reusable bags and choosing items that are not packed in plastic.

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FEATURED SKILL: Problem and Solution

Use the Skill Builder “Solving the Plastic Problem” to have students identify the problem and solutions described in the article. 

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