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This sorting game teaches all about microplastics! Students will differentiate between different types of microplastics, learn about their sources, and make connections to everyday environmental impacts. (Online drag-and-drop and printable hands-on versions provided)
Grade Level: 5 - 12
Time: 15 - 30 minutes
Learning Standards: ESS3.C, LS2.C, MP.7, SL1
What are we learning?
What are we learning?
Participants will develop awareness of the prevalence of plastics in their lives and the sources of microplastics.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how plastics break down.
Participants will understand the types of microplastics that can pollute the environment and how they are categorized.
Beads: tiny plastic beads used primarily in personal care products
Fibers: threads of plastic that breakdown from synthetic fabrics
Fragments: bits & pieces of plastic items that break and crumble over time
Foams: particles that crumble & break apart from polystyrene foam products
Films: shredded pieces from softer plastics
* Microplastics are tiny particles smaller than 5mm.
Materials Needed
Materials Needed
Copy of Google Slides for each student
-OR-
Printable Card Deck
How is it done?
How is it done?
Digital Version:
Open "Microplastics Matching" Google Slide
Make a copy of Google Slides
Follow directions provided
Hands-on Version:
Print the Printable PDF Card Deck
Cut along lines to create 5 microplastic categories
Cut along lines to separate all the example images
Sort all the items into categories based on the microplastic they may create
What to Expect?
What to Expect?
An easy-to-implement, engaging lesson on this critical environmental issue
Helpful visuals to reinforce learning concepts
A flexible lesson that can be carried out in a variety of ways
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