Ditch microplastics from your wash

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News March 2023: A new report says microplastics in the oceans have risen 10x in the last 15 years (see weblink).

Plastic objects, like the synthetic fabrics our clothes are made from, break down into tiny bits - microplastics. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, with scientists finding them in almost 80% of the people tested. Whilst it is not yet known the extent of the impact on human health, there is worrying evidence that they can damage our cells.

In this 20-minute activity, students apply knowledge about separating mixtures to design a filter for a washing machine that stops microplastics winding up in the ocean. Students can peer or self-assess their work using the rubric.

Curriculum link 
Blueprint year 7: Mixtures (Substances & particles unit)

Download the files

Ditch microplastics    Guide     

Running Notes

Slide 2: Play the news story to introduce the issue. Note: The news clip is an embedded YouTube video, you will need internet connection for it to play. See weblinks below for the URL. 

Slides 3-4: Explain one source of microplastics – our clothes.  

Slide 5: Explain how small microplastics are by comparing their size to other objects. 

Slide 6: Introduce the task – to help the engineer complete a design for a washing machine filter. Ask each student to complete the task on the student sheet. 

Weblinks

CONNECT

This activity is adapted from the Connect project, funded by the European Commission.  

This is a short version of a longer activity called Microplastics, which offers more scientific knowledge and skills learning opportunities, activities to carry out at home with family members and scientist interaction. 

Download other Connect activities here: https://shop.masteryscience.com/collections/connect