Drastic? Fantastic? The impact of plastic

"There has been considerable interest and research into the consequences of plastics and microplastics in the environment and the significant threat to the environment and human health. Our project ""The impact of plastic"" identifies the key challenges faced at a local, national and global level and explores the solutions. We want our students to gain knowledge of the background to this global environmental challenge, to explore the causes and effects locally, nationally and internationally and to offer viable solutions or alternative more eco-friendly actions. We already know that young people express concerns about environmental issues and this project provides them with a deeper learning experience, a chance to work with peers from other schools and to take part in purposeful practical fieldwork and education visits. Students from each of the six partner schools will take part in short term mobilities to study the impact of plastic in more detail. The project is divided into four stages: *a focus on how plastics are designed and manufactured * the uses of plastic * the problems faced as a result of overuse, waste management and pollution * global responses and solutions to re-use, replace or eliminate the need for plasticThe participants will carry out research using IT skills with specialist teacher support and take part in field work investigations and laboratory work with Science teachers to establish the scale of the problem. Students will use a range of skills to present their findings via the project website and e.Twinning.Learning activities will include a study of polymer structure, the development and structure of microplastics, nano plastics and micro beads. More specialist studies could include the synthesis of plastics, the advisability of using 3D printers in schools, using plastics for packaging and the burning of waste plastic for energy generation. Schools will contact their local/ regional university and environmental groups to communicate with people directly involved in research and action and may visit national parks and areas of scientific interest including lakes, rivers and coasts to see evidence of impact on the environment. They will investigate local and national businesses utilities and establish if or how industry is responding to a global environmental issue. During the project each school will send five students and two teachers to attend the short term mobilities in the six participating schools. Each mobility will provide an opportunity for showcasing work undertaken in each school including a review of manufacturing processes, uses, disposal and solutions. Each school can undertake to work on a mini project and present their findings using their communication, presentation and language skills. Schools will use e.twinning as a tool of communication and to share results. The learning activities in each school and at short term student exchanges have been carefully sequenced so each student can understand the life cycle of plastic and its inherent problems. Activities are designed to present young people with a real world problem and an opportunity to discuss and propose solutions. We hope the project helps our students to be better informed and better equipped to have the confidence to speak and express their opinions with fresh ideas and open minds. Joint collaborative work within a shared European dimension presents young people with a chance to work with their peers from other countries in Europe and this could not be achieved any other way."