Climate Detectives Research Planner – Module 5

[Maura Curran]

Research Question: How does the amount of plastic waste in our local community affect the health of the environment and wildlife?

To engage 6th class pupils in the research, it’s important to begin by making the topic relevant to their daily lives. The focus on plastic waste is something they can easily observe in their surroundings, whether at school, in their locality, or at the local park. I would start with a class discussion to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution, and use visuals like photos or videos of wildlife affected by plastic. I would also encourage pupils to take ownership of the research process , so I would introduce simple, hands-on activities like organizing a “plastic audit” in their school or local area. Students can collect and categorize different types of plastic waste, measuring how much they find over a set period.

Additionally, interactive research activities like creating a “plastic waste timeline” could help pupils track how long it takes for various plastics to decompose. Pupils could also engage in interviews with local businesses or community leaders about how they manage waste. By connecting these activities to the wider environmental impact, students will better understand the issue and feel empowered to make positive changes in their communities.

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