At Innovation Learning Lab, we believe in life learning. Our Engineering class is diving into one of the most pressing global challenges today: the plastic problem. While in class, students explore creative solutions for reducing plastic waste, but there are endless ways to extend this learning journey beyond Innovation’s walls. Here are some engaging, hands-on ways to keep the conversation going, including videos and an article with actionable steps to tackle plastic pollution!
1. Video Exploration: Unpacking the Problem of Plastic
Videos can be powerful learning tools to deepen students’ understanding of the complexities of plastic pollution and inspire action.
PBS: "The Plastic Problem""By 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. It’s an environmental crisis that’s been in the making for nearly 70 years. Plastic pollution is now considered one of the largest environmental threats facing humans and animals globally. In “The Plastic Problem: PBS NewsHour Presents”, Amna Nawaz and her PBS NewsHour colleagues look at this now ubiquitous material and how it’s impacting the world, why it’s become so prevalent, what’s being done to mitigate its use, and what potential alternatives or solutions are out there. This hour-long program travels from Boston to Seattle, Costa Rica to Easter Island to bring the global scale of the problem to light."
Plastic Earth Movie : A Film to Inspire Change
"Plastic Earth" explores the urgent need to address the global plastic crisis. With plastic production from fossil-based sources on the rise, the world is facing an existential threat from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The film follows Janice Overbeck, a concerned mother, as she embarks on a journey to uncover the full extent of the problem and the innovative solutions being developed to tackle it. Through interviews with leading scientists, engineers, researchers, and environmental advocates, Janice gains unique insights into the efforts to control the plastic epidemic. Featuring the stories of the world's unsung heroes, "Plastic Earth" showcases the innovative technologies and visionary solutions that offer hope for a sustainable future."
2. Take Action Against Plastic Pollution
Earth Day: End Plastic PollutionEarth Day Network provides easy actionable starting points: reducing single-use plastics, joining local clean-ups, and pushing for policy changes. Perhaps one or a few Innovators could create an Innovation-wide challenge to eliminate single-use plastic for a week, using the article's suggestions as a guide.
3. Hands-On Projects: Building Solutions Together
Plastic-Free Challenge
Create a one-week challenge for Innovators and their families to live without single-use plastics. Students can keep a journal detailing their challenges, successes, and creative solutions to avoid plastic in everyday items.
Plastic Upcycling Workshop
Encourage Innovators to repurpose plastic items they already have at home, turning them into functional or artistic creations. They can present their upcycled creations at Innovation and post their projects on social media to inspire others.
Let’s solve the plastic problem—one idea at a time.