The Problem with Plastic

This KIMO UK lesson resource helps pupils understand what happens to plastic and other litter after it is discarded. Students sort and classify different types of litter and then create a degradation timeline to explore how long materials can remain in the environment. The activity is designed to build understanding of persistence, waste and marine pollution through simple practical exercises rather than abstract discussion alone. It is part of KIMO UK’s wider educational resource package on marine litter and was developed for the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence, while remaining suitable for use by educators and students elsewhere.