New Name, New Look, New Challenge!

This year's Challenge uses our digital skills to explore SDG #3, Good Health and Well-being.

Start The Challenge!

  • Plastic

  • Where?

  • Rivers

  • Problem

  • Data

  • Global

  • Solution

  • Quiz

  • Share

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Problem

What happens once plastic

is in rivers and oceans?

The problem is that it sticks around… for a long time.

Plastic that’s thrown away will eventually decompose like paper or food scraps, right? Unfortunately, not. Let’s take a look at macroplastics and microplastics.

Macroplastics are plastics you can see, like plastic bags and water bottles. But over time, macroplastics start to break down into smaller and smaller pieces, and become microplastics.

When organic materials like food or wood break down over time, they decompose into natural elements that enrich the earth. However, because plastics are created using synthetic materials, they do not naturally decompose back into the earth.

Quick Facts!

Did you know:

Of the 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic we’ve thrown away since we started mass-producing it in the 1950s, only 600 million tonnes has been recycled.1

Macroplastics - the plastic you can see

Mini Challenge

Can you match the plastic item that’s ended up in the ocean with the number of years it takes to break down?

Microplastics - the plastic you can’t see

Mini Challenge

You’ve just learned that the ocean is full of macroplastics that break down into microplastics — let’s look at how this affects you. Microplastics are toxic substances that end up in the stomachs of seabirds, fish, even in sea salt!

Let’s Reflect…

Now that you’re beginning to see why plastic waste is such a big problem for our planet, let’s reflect:

  1. Do you think microplastics can be found in the wind, or the rain?
  2. How do you think it affects you when microplastics end up inside your food?
  3. How could technology get rid of plastic already in the ocean?

Data Dive

What is ‘good’ data and why is it important?

When we say ‘good’ data, this means the information collected is accurate, complete, relevant, and consistent, among other things. Good quality data is important because it shows us the bigger picture on a specific topic, which helps us make decisions and find solutions.2

Quick Facts!

Did you know:

Scientists across the world are experimenting with ways to use bacteria to help plastic decompose and avoid the issue of toxic microplastics.3

You’ve completed the fourth step of the challenge — way to go!

You’ve learned that once plastic makes its way into the ocean, it’s very hard to get it out. You can now move on to the Data section to start collecting data on your own plastic consumption habits.

Rivers
Data

Take it further

Not in a rush and want to take it a step further?

These extension activities will teach you how to animate your own story in Scratch (like the Pop Quiz above) and guide you through a data visualization reflection.

Keep exploring - Scratch remix!

From Macroplastic to Microplastic - ‘Underwater Plastic’ project

Learning Objectives

  • Create a game to tell a story in Scratch.
  • Code sprites and messages to guide players through the game.
  • Use variables and scripts to ask players questions, and react if they’re right or wrong.

Recommended ages

Ages 7+

Recommended duration

20-30 min

Introduction

Use Scratch to tell your own story about the effects of plastic on the environment using backdrop switches, images, text and sprite broadcasting. You’ll also code a game to make your story come alive - using user input, sprites, movement and sound.

Scratch starter project
Scratch finished project
Lesson plan
Keep exploring - Data stories!
source: Seven charts that explain the plastic pollution problem4

Use this infographic to reflect on these questions:

General

How does plastic break down differently than organic material? Why do some plastics take longer to break down than others?

Community

Can you think of a plastic-free alternative to cotton swabs? Can you find a plastic-free alternative for cotton swabs at your local store? How many other plastic alternatives can you find?

Ethical

How can we prevent this plastic from ever ending up in the ocean?

Rivers
Data

Sources

Want to dive deeper or just explore the sources?

We provide you with all the page sources and references along with additional related resources in one convenient location.

Rivers
Data

Due to the interactive nature of the online #kids2030 Challenge platform, it is not supported for mobile. To complete the #kids2030 Challenge, please use a desktop, laptop, or tablet in landscape mode.

Thanks!