Before Plastics Memory Game & Activity

Provided by: Mongabay Kids |Published on: December 6, 2025

Games

345

Synopsis

In this game from Mongabay Kids, students will match the natural alternatives people used before the invention of plastics to their plastic counterparts.
The game includes text that explains how material choices relate to resource availability and environmental impact, encouraging reflection on sustainability today.

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Subjects: Science

Authors: Mongabay Kids

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

The matching game is a simple, engaging way for students to see alternative methods of making the things we use every day.
Giving the positives and negatives for both synthetic and natural materials helps students see the nuance that is present when dealing with sustainability issues.

Prerequisites

Students should be familiar with the idea that objects are made from different natural resources.
Teachers may want to preview vocabulary such as natural materials, synthetic, and sustainability.

Differentiation & Implementation

Teachers can invite students to brainstorm everyday items that could be redesigned using natural or reused materials.
Teachers may want to explain the problems with microplastics and plastic pollution, as these aren’t thoroughly addressed here. This activity can help teachers explain plastic pollution.
To explain how both synthetic and natural materials have climate change implications, teachers can explain how clearing land for agriculture can result in greenhouse gas emissions, as can producing plastics, like synthetic fibers.
Teachers can use this game to make connections to Sustainable Development Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.

Scientist Notes

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Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

Mongabay Kids

Mongabay Kids is the dedicated youth education initiative at Mongabay, an award-winning nonprofit environmental and conservation news organization. We provide free, age-appropriate news, features, activities, and multimedia resources that inspire curiosity, ecological understanding, and action. Designed for children ages 8-14, families, and educators, Mongabay Kids empowers the next generation to explore, celebrate, and protect the natural world.

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All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.