Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the environmental challenges caused by plastics, limited to: (a) disposal in land fill sites (b) accumulation in oceans (c) formation of toxic gases from burning
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how plastic waste persists in landfills and its environmental impacts.
  • Explain the effects of plastic accumulation in marine ecosystems.
  • Identify the toxic gases released when plastics are burned and their health hazards.
  • Evaluate strategies to mitigate each of the three challenges.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Printed handouts of the summary table
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sample plastic items (e.g., bag, bottle)
  • Worksheet with case‑study questions
  • Internet access for a short ocean‑plastic video
 Introduction:
Begin with a striking image of a massive garbage patch in the Pacific to capture students' attention. Ask learners to recall how everyday plastic items are discarded and what they think happens after disposal. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe three major environmental challenges of plastics and suggest mitigation ideas.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list common plastic items they use daily and share quickly.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of landfill issues with diagrams and key facts.
  3. Group activity (12'): Analyse the summary table and create a cause‑effect flowchart for landfill impacts.
  4. Interactive discussion (10'): Watch a 2‑minute video on ocean plastic, then discuss entanglement and food‑chain effects.
  5. Demonstration & reflection (8'): Explain gases from burning, show chemical equations, and complete an exit‑ticket question.
Conclusion:
Summarise that plastics persist in landfills, pollute oceans, and release hazardous gases when incinerated. Students complete an exit ticket stating one personal action to reduce each impact. Assign homework to research a local initiative addressing plastic waste and prepare a brief report.