How Much Plastic Do You Eat Everyday? The Science Behind Microplastics! (Introduction)

Link to the Water We Doing? and how can we do better (Season 1, Episode 8) podcast, How Much Plastic Do You Eat Everyday? The Science Behind Microplastics by The Aquatic Biosphere Project
Printable discussion questions / writing prompts (see attachment at bottom of lesson).

Ask students if they can identify a substance that has revolutionized our society? Let them share their answers and tell why they think so.
If ‘plastic’ was not identified, tell the class that, The substance we’re going to examine today is plastic. Have students quickly discuss how plastic has revolutionized our society.

Tell students that, Plastic can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. Can you think of instances for both sides? Have students discuss in small groups and then share as a class.
Write ‘microplastics’ on the board. Ask students, What do you think of when you hear the term ‘microplastics’?
Ask students, Have you ever eaten plastic? If so, when, and in what ways? Allow for some responses.
Tell students that, In fact, you may be surprised to know that everyone of us consumes plastic everyday. Can you think of how this might be happening?
Listen to the podcast, How Much Plastic Do You Eat Everyday? The Science Behind Microplastics
Revisit the discussions from the lesson introduction and ask students about their reactions, what surprised them, and what did they learn?

Have students explore plastic alternatives, comparing the costs and benefits and the environmental impacts.
Have students look into the biggest sources of microplastics and think about what can be done to mitigate, change, or eliminate the negative impacts.