Plastic Problems

Ever wondered what happens to the plastic we throw away? Or how long a plastic bottle or a mobile phone takes to break down? What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? Why are there 29,000 plastic ducks floating in the oceans? How does bioaccumulation affect wildlife? Could plastic-eating bacteria really help? And why are microplastics even in our toothpaste?

These were the big questions that Year 7 pupils tackled during a three-day Plastics Challenge as part of their King’s Diploma. With a collapsed timetable, pupils explored the science of plastics, examined the global impact of plastic pollution, and thought critically about solutions both on land and in the oceans.

Working in small groups, pupils collaborated creatively, applied their STEM skills, and developed the Competencies central to the King’s Diploma. They studied a real-world case from a Nepalese rubbish dump, designing innovative recycling solutions and presenting their ideas to their peers. They then tackled further challenges, exploring ways to “turn off the tap” on plastic waste and “bail out the bath” of pollution threatening our planet.

As the UN Global Plastics Treaty: INC-5 approached, pupils also produced digital presentations showcasing their research, problem-solving, and investigative skills—projects any environmental journalist would admire.

Did you know: A plastic bottle can last 400 years, and a mobile phone 1,000 years before decomposing!