Elementary students learn how they can be a solution to the global plastic pollution problem. Teachers can align the lesson with International Coastal Clean Up month and National Public Lands Day in September. Incorporating science, math, arts, and sustainability concepts, educators can teach this lesson in a couple days or throughout the week. The lesson involves writing, graphing, artwork, and verbal problem solving with peers.
Educators can use this lesson at any time throughout the school year, though the student experience will be more enjoyable if their clean up session is during good weather. At the end of the lesson, you will find a plethora of additional resources to use for further research topics, as well as activities and materials from our conservation partners.
Lesson plan
Supporting materials
- Litter and You PowerPoint
- English: "Michael's Meals" short story (PDF), Español: Las comidas de Michael (PDF)
- English: Trash data sheet (PDF), Español: Formulario de datos de recolección de basura (PDF)
- English Trash graph (PDF), Español: Gráfico de basura (PDF)