Plastics and Multiplication Lesson
Lesson Plan
1 hour 30 minutesGrades3, 4, 5Mathematics
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Written by Christa Delaney
About this lesson
In this lesson, students use multiplication to understand the problem of single-use plastics and how they impact climate change.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students describe a photo, wonder about the origin of the plastic waste they see, and identify their feelings surrounding plastic pollution.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students complete multi-step math problems about single-use plastic water bottles, and learn about the connection between disposable plastics, pollution, and climate change.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students complete multiplication problems that show how small positive actions can have a big impact, brainstorm about the use of disposable plastics in their school, home, or community, and write a letter to persuade someone to take action to reduce the use of plastic.
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Everything you need to teach it
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Positives
- This lesson can be used in conjunction with the Sustainable Jersey for Schools actions. In addition, students can work with the teacher to write a grant for a hydration station where students can refill reusable water bottles.
- This lesson can be used in conjunction with ClimateScience’s Carbon Footprint Class Project.
- Students use multiplication skills to understand a real-world problem and learn how small actions can have a big impact.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with multiplication steps and how to set up a problem.
- Teacher should have access to whiteboards. Alternatively, students can write their answers on the classroom’s whiteboard or chalkboard.
- Students may want to know why they cannot drink from disposable water bottles over and over. Teacher can use this information to explain why reusing disposable plastic water bottles can be harmful.
- Teachers should be careful not to place blame on individuals or students in the class who may bring plastic water bottles from home. The massive production of single-use plastic water bottles and the promotion and sale of single-use plastics is beyond the control of individuals, especially children who are not responsible for making decisions about the purchase of these items.
- Teachers can emphasize actions their school or class can collectively take to support students and others who would like to reduce their use of plastics. For example, the class might decide to provide paper or reusable cups for students.
- Students can encourage stores and decision-makers to find alternatives to single-use plastics.
Differentiation
- Teacher can bring in examples of a reusable water bottle and a disposable water bottle so students can better see the difference between the two.
- Students can brainstorm ways to reduce their impact on climate change as individuals, as a class, or as a school by using less plastic. After, students can make a poster to share what they learned with others.
- The facts in the optional online plastics quiz in the Investigate section are fairly negative. If it seems overwhelming for the class, this activity and the My Plastics Fact Sheet on the Student Document can be skipped.
- Teacher or students can research their own local plastics facts, including problems and solutions, to add to the blank My Plastics Fact Sheet on the Student Document.
Framework for Shifting Paradigms in Climate Education
This resource exemplifies the Interdisciplinary Key Focus Area.
- Core Component 1: Integration of Multiple Perspectives and Disciplines
- This lesson blends mathematics, science, and language arts by using multiplication to explore real-world environmental issues, specifically plastic waste and its impact on climate change. Students also develop writing and critical thinking skills through persuasive letter writing, connecting mathematical reasoning with civic engagement.
- Core Component 2: Promoting Inquiry-Based and Project-Based Learning
- The lesson begins with visual inquiry and student-driven questioning, followed by hands-on group problem-solving activities. It culminates in a project where students write action-oriented letters, encouraging authentic engagement and reinforcing the relevance of their learning to the world around them.
- Core Component 3: Emphasis on Diversity, Sustainability, and Connection to Nature
- Students examine the environmental and social justice implications of plastic pollution, including its disproportionate impact on certain communities. They are encouraged to take collective and individual action toward sustainability, deepening their connection to nature and promoting responsible stewardship.
From the scientist review
With the help of this lesson, students can come up with ideas for solutions to the issues caused by throwaway plastic garbage in the environment and ocean. They will learn how to use mathematical operations to determine how frequently plastic garbage is generated, particularly in homes and classrooms, and how this contributes to climate change. After fact-checking the lesson's materials, this lesson passed our science credibility process.
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About the teacher writer
Christa Delaney
Christa Delaney holds a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies and Teacher Education from Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and a Professional Science Master's in Environmental Studies and Sustainability from Unity College. She has been teaching since 2005 and has 21 years of experience teaching Advanced Placement Environmental Science to grades 11–12. Christa is certified to teach Biological Science and specializes in environmental science and sustainability education.
