Water pollution and microplastics KS4 Science

These Key Stage 4 (KS4) Science lessons allow students to investigate water pollution. Students work scientifically to explain what microplastics are and where they come from.
In this lesson, students develop their understanding of how human actions can have a negative impact on the marine environment. The context of this lesson is investigating the amount of microplastics that students use every day in personal hygiene products.
This full lesson includes:

Lesson overview and teacher guidance
Student Sheet 3a How much microplastic?
Student Sheet 3b Microplastics summary worksheet
Student Sheet 3c Hunting microplastic home learning
Slideshow 3 How much microplastic
Activity Overview How much microplastic?
Subject Update 4 Marine plastics
Subject Update 5 Marine plastics facts and figures

This is Lesson 3 of 7 in the Plankton, Plastics and Poo unit of work, which is based on current research being conducted at the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. The unit consists of enquiry-based lessons which support students to work scientifically by simulating the researchers’ investigations, and encourages students to the use their findings to have a wider impact.
The resource uses innovative methods to bring cutting edge science to the classroom, including:
- Using real field and laboratory data.
- Practical investigations that replicate the work of the scientists.
- Using social media to connect with the scientists.
- The opportunity to connect with scientists through Skype in the classroom events.

All lessons and resources are available from Encounter Edu’s TES profile.