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Description
"Plastic Through Time" is an interactive resource based on a virtual timeline through which students explore and discover the history of plastic. After watching a short introductory video they explore each era in the development of plastic and learn about the origins of our dependence on the product. The students are able to "dive" under water via a simulation and see first-hand how plastics changed the world's oceans and became more prevalent in our everyday lives.
After exploring the virtual timeline there are two options for activities. A shorter one involves the students creating a postcard based on an event from the timeline while a second, longer option involves learning about linear vs circular economies and creating a useful object by up-cycling something made of plastic.
Please note: In order to access the virtual reality timeline, click on the "View as a Student" button on the right of the page. After watching a short video, the last image will contain a "Travel to the First Event" button. This is where the activities are located.
General Assessment
Recommendation of how and where to use it
"Plastic Through Time" is a highly engaging resource for the middle school Science classroom. It addresses the curriculum links dealing with human impact on the environment, water systems, and biodiversity. This resource could be used as an introduction to the No Plastic Challenge in addition to being a solid resource for World Oceans Day in June.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
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- Alberta
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- Grade 7
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- Science
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- Interactions and Ecosystems
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- Science
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- Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
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- Science
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- Knowledge and Employability Science: Environmental Chemistry (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- Manitoba
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- Grade 7
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- Science
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- Interactions Within Ecosystems
- Social Studies
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- People & Places in the World: Global Quality of Life
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- Science
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- Water Systems on Earth
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
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- Nunavut
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- Grade 7
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- Science
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- Interactions and Ecosystems
- Grade 8
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- Science
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- Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
- Grade 9
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- Science
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- Chemistry and the Environment
- Knowledge and Employability Science: Environmental Chemistry (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- Ontario
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- Grade 7
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- Science & Technology
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- Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Grade 8
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- Science & Technology
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- Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems
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- Science
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- :Biology: Sustainable Ecosystems
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
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- Grade 7
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- Science & Technology
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- The Living World
- Grade 8
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- Science & Technology
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- The Living World
- Grade 9
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- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Applied Science & Technology: The Living World
- Science and Technology: The Living World
- Saskatchewan
Themes Addressed
Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)
- Climate Change
Ecosystems (2)
- Appreciating the Natural World
- Habitat Loss
Human Health & Environment (1)
- Quality of Life
Land Use & Natural Resources (1)
- Fisheries
Waste Management (3)
- Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Solid Waste Disposal
- Source Reduction
Water (2)
- Marine Environments
- Water Quality
