Title: Exploring Life Below Water: Plastics in the Ocean

Grade Level: Year 5

Subject: Science

Duration: 60 minutes

Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the importance of oceans and marine life. 2. Identify the sources and types of plastic pollution in the ocean. 3. Recognize the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems. 4. Explore ways to reduce plastic pollution and promote a sustainable future.

Materials: - Visual aids (pictures, videos, infographics) depicting marine life and plastic pollution - Whiteboard or flipchart - Markers - Chart paper - Colored pencils or markers - Worksheets (downloadable from online sources) - Recycling bins - Reusable water bottles

Procedure:

Introduction (5 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking students about their favorite marine animals and why they find them fascinating. 2. Explain that today’s lesson will focus on the importance of oceans and the impact of plastic pollution on marine life.

Activity 1: Importance of Oceans (10 minutes): 1. Show visual aids depicting marine life and discuss the importance of oceans for biodiversity, climate regulation, and food resources. 2. Engage students in a brief discussion about the role of oceans in maintaining a healthy planet.

Activity 2: Plastic Pollution in the Ocean (15 minutes): 1. Introduce the concept of plastic pollution and its sources (e.g., single-use plastics, microplastics, fishing gear). 2. Show visual aids and discuss the different types of plastic pollution found in the ocean. 3. Engage students in a brainstorming session to identify common plastic items that end up in the ocean. 4. Use the whiteboard or flipchart to create a list of these items.

Activity 3: Impact on Marine Ecosystems (15 minutes): 1. Show visual aids depicting the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, such as entanglement, ingestion, and habitat destruction. 2. Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a chart paper and colored pencils/markers. 3. Assign each group a specific marine animal and ask them to illustrate the effects of plastic pollution on their assigned animal. 4. After completion, have each group present their illustrations to the class.

Activity 4: Solutions and Actions (15 minutes): 1. Discuss the importance of reducing plastic pollution and promoting a sustainable future. 2. Show visual aids depicting various solutions, such as recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and participating in beach clean-ups. 3. Distribute worksheets that include scenarios related to plastic pollution and ask students to brainstorm solutions for each scenario. 4. Allow students to share their ideas and discuss the feasibility and effectiveness of each solution.

Conclusion (5 minutes): 1. Recap the main points discussed during the lesson, emphasizing the importance of oceans and the need to reduce plastic pollution. 2. Encourage students to take action by making small changes in their daily lives to reduce plastic waste. 3. Provide each student with a reusable water bottle and explain its significance in reducing plastic bottle waste.

Assessment: - Observe students’ participation and engagement during class discussions and activities. - Evaluate students’ understanding through their completed worksheets and group presentations. - Encourage students to ask questions and provide feedback during the lesson.