This resource contains a summary of three recent articles about different solutions to the prominent issue of too much plastic in our oceans, as highlighted by Blue Planet. The three articles summarise three different approaches to the issue and can easily be compared and assessed against each other. They can be used as stimulus material for a longer writing piece by KS3 and KS4 geography students or in PSHE or citizenship classes. They would be particularly suitable to give to students after they have watched a YouTube clip on the state of plastics in our oceans - there are many clips from Blue Planet suitable for this.

This complete lesson pack contains a detailed lesson plan, PowerPoint, A3 student worksheet, reading material, link to video clip from Blue Planet and photographs for analysis. The lesson title is ‘Blue Planet or Plastic Planet?’ The lesson was designed for a successful interview for the post of Teacher of Geography with them theme of ‘Geography in the news’. It uses the recent news of plastics in the oceans and the introduction of the ban of plastic straws in the UK as a theme. The lesson could be suitable for a similar interview, geography club or fun end of term lesson. It is designed as a standalone lesson and no additional resources are required. Students can complete all work on the colourful A3 sheets, therefore it is easy to demonstrate progress throughout the lesson. The lesson is also differentiated for lower and higher ability students. The lesson was designed for a year 9 geography class of mixed ability who have already begun their GCSEs. Therefore, it is suitable for both KS3 and KS4 students.

This complete lesson pack includes a PowerPoint, video clips, reading material and lesson plan. It is designed for the A Level Geography Edexcel Globalisation: 3.8 Key Idea: Social, political and environmental tensions have resulted from the rapidity of global change caused by globalisation. 3.8C = Some groups seek to retain their cultural identify within countries and seek to retain control of culture and physical resources, whereas others embrace the economic advantages of globalisation. The lesson includes an extension activity for higher ability students.