The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Project Plastic with Purpose
Project Plastic with Purpose
A 3rd-6th Grade STEM Lesson
Elsa Costello
April 2023
Notes for Teachers
Teacher should obtain a copy of the book One Plastic Bag. If it is not available then use the link Read Aloud with Mr. Eric
List of Materials
Read Aloud
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
Written by: Miranda Paul
Standards
Life Science:
5.L4U3.11 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate evidence about how natural and human-caused changes to habitats or climate can impact populations.
6.L2U3.11 Use evidence to construct an argument regarding the impact of human activities on the environment and how they positively and negatively affect the competition for energy and resources in ecosystems.
Ed Technology:
Innovative Designer
6-8.4.d. Students demonstrate an ability to persevere and handle greater ambiguity as they work to solve open-ended problems.
3-5.4.d. Students demonstrate perseverance when working with open-ended problems.
Objective(s):
Today students will be creating an original design using only plastic bags. Students will reuse plastic bags to create a useful product they could sell.
Students will use evidence to construct an argument regarding the plastic problem taking place around the world. How are humans negatively impacting this problem? Students will work together to come up with solutions to help with this problem.
Agenda (45 minute sessions over 3 days )
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Students finish products and present their products to the class.
Intro
Did you know that EVERY second 160,000 plastic bags are used around the world.
In 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish!
Today, we are going to be reading a story about how one women changed the plastic problem in her village.
Intro
Today we will be reading the story One Plastic Bag.
Gambia: The Queen of Recycling
Watch the real story of Isatou Ceesay for more details regarding her business and how she cares for the environment.
Video Link: Gambia: The Queen of Recycling | Global Ideas
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Day 1
Students will be completing a STEM project with plastic bags today.
Your team’s goal is to create a product you could sell. Your goal is to reduce the plastic problem by creating a useful product out of just plastic bags and tape.
Use the planning sheet to brainstorm with your team product ideas. Questions should be complete by the time your product is complete as well.
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Your team will have three class sessions to complete your product. Products will be presented to the class on the third day.
Materials:
Examples to Inspire
kites
Plastic bracelets
cup coasters
pencil case
Day 2
Engage with videos: How I use art to tackle plastic pollution in our oceans
Plastic bricks in Kenya - NZAMBI MATEE - Young Champion
Answer questions on next slide.
Video Questions
Answer the following questions using your personal whiteboard or journal.
Video Questions
Question 1
What are some negative impacts as a result of plastic?
Video Questions
Question 2
How can humans decrease the amount of plastic used?
Video Questions
Question 3
How does Alejandro Duran help the environment?
Video Questions
Question 4
How is Nzambi Matee turning trash to cash?
Video Questions
Question 5
What does it mean to you to be TRUE to YOUR WHY?
Continue STEM Project
Assessment
DAY 3
Students will have 10-15 minutes to work on finishing their products with their team. Presentations are taking place today. Students will be assessed on how well they worked as a team and created a product they could sell to others.
Assessment Rubric
Differentiation
Students may need the STEM planning sheet read aloud to them.
Teacher may want to print out video questions for students.
Students will be working in teams which will allow students to support one another.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
If there is enough time, have teams create a poster of their plastic product describing the purpose it serves and how it can help others.
Project Plastic with Purpose