Provided by: Tumble Media|Published on: June 25, 2026
Podcasts
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Synopsis
This 22-minute podcast episode investigates the problem of trash and two very different science-based solutions.
Students learn about how engineers use mealworm gut microbes to break down plastic into building blocks for new plastics and how kids can advocate for better waste policies.
Note that there are multiple ads throughout the podcast.
For more active listening, pre-select a few points of the podcast to pause at and ask students questions.
Explore the resources listed under the podcast in the Tumble Media website.
Classroom Implementation:
Use this podcast in a unit about food webs to focus on decomposers and the breakdown of organic substances.
The episode pauses partway through to pose questions directly to listeners about which disposal option they prefer; pause to let students discuss or write a quick response before continuing.
Provide students with the transcript and a few guiding questions so they can follow along, highlight, and take notes on paper.
Run a classroom composting experiment where students track the breakdown of different materials over time.
Options for Action:
Have students research their own city or town's waste and composting options, then draft a letter to a local official or design a school composting campaign.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
Related Teaching Resources
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
