Lesson Plan - Plastic vs. the Planet

Watch a Video
Watch the featured video, “Newsie’s Challenge: Protecting Our Planet,” and ask: What is the most interesting fact about Earth’s environment that you learned from the video? Then watch and discuss the bonus video, “What You Need to Know About Plastic Pollution.”

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

• landfills
• decompose
• degrades
• producing

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them identify two reasons why it can be difficult to recycle plastic.

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.
^{(RI.3.7 Using Visuals)}

2. Summarize the section “Fixing the Problem.”
The section explains that people are working to get more plastic recycled. Scientists are developing plastic that doesn’t degrade when recycled, and cities and states have passed laws to cut down on single-use plastics. People can help by properly recycling, and companies can help by producing less plastic.
^{(RI.3.2 Main Idea and Key Details)}

3. According to the sidebar “How You Can Help,” 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.
^{(RI.3.1 Text Evidence)}

FEATURED SKILL: Integrating Information
Use the skill builder “Track Your Trash” to have students record the types of trash they throw away for one day. Have students share and discuss their findings in pairs or small groups.
^{(W.3.8 Gather Information)}