Our Plastic Problem: Exploring Solutions
Plastic has become part of our daily lives and can be found almost everywhere we look. While it is an incredibly useful material, it becomes a serious environmental problem when it enters our natural environment, particularly our oceans, coastlines, rivers, and marine ecosystems. This thought-provoking workshop encourages pupils to explore the impact of plastic pollution while supporting learning in Science, Geography, Environmental Awareness, Sustainability, Climate Change, and Global Citizenship.
Pupils discover that plastic bags are one of the most common forms of litter found on beaches and in rivers across Europe. Although often used for only a few minutes, they can remain in the marine environment for decades. Through engaging discussion, visual resources, and real-world examples, pupils learn how millions of mammals, birds, turtles, and fish are harmed each year through entanglement or ingestion of plastic waste. The workshop encourages pupils to think critically about consumer habits, waste reduction, and the small changes that can make a positive environmental difference, supporting PSHE, Citizenship, Eco-Schools, and responsible decision-making.
As a creative and practical response to the topic, pupils decorate their own reusable cotton bag using colourful environmental designs and templates. This hands-on activity supports Art and Design, Creative Learning, Design Technology, and Sustainability Education, while also helping pupils develop confidence, creativity, and environmental responsibility. Each pupil leaves with a reusable mini shopping bag that acts as a lasting reminder to reduce single-use plastics and make more environmentally conscious choices in everyday life.
Workshop Details
- Duration: 45–60 minutes
- Suitable for up to 35 pupils per session
- Supports Science, Geography, PSHE, Citizenship, and Sustainability education
- Exploring the impact of plastic pollution on oceans, rivers, coastlines, and marine life
- Understanding how plastic waste affects animals through entanglement and ingestion
- Learning about consumer choices and the importance of reducing single-use plastics
This workshop is also available as an online option. Please get in touch for further details.
Perfect for Curriculum Enrichment and Themed School Events
Perfect for Curriculum Enrichment and Themed School Events
📚 Curriculum Subjects Covered
🐛 Mini Beasts & Invertebrates
🏡 Habitats & Ecosystems
🌊 Rivers & Oceans
🐾 Endangered Animals & Wildlife Conservation
❤️ Animals & Us
🌿 Nature & the Natural World
🌱 Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility
🔬 Life Processes & Living Things
🍃 Food Chains & Food Webs
🦋 Identifying Animals & Local Wildlife
🌳 Local Environments & Habitats
🌿 Biodiversity
💬 PSHE
🤖 STEM
🤝 Citizenship & Responsibility
🧠 Observation, Investigation & Problem Solving
Ideal for School Enrichment Days
This workshop is perfect for:
♻️ Eco Days
⭐ WOW Days
🌱 Sustainability Week
🔬 Science Week
♻️ Global Recycling Day – 18 March
💧 World Water Day – 22 March
🌎 Earth Day – 22 April
🌿 Outdoor Classroom Day
🌍 Great Big Green Week
🌱 World Environment Day – 5 June
🌊 World Oceans Day – 8 June
🌬️ Clean Air Day
🐛 Mini Beast & Bug Days
🌳 Nature & Wildlife Days
🐾 Endangered Species Days
🏡 Habitats & Biodiversity Days
🌊 Rivers & Oceans Days
