Short description Plastic objects, like the synthetic fabrics our clothes are made from, break into tiny bits - microplastics. They have been detected in human blood and whilst we don't know their impact on health, there is evidence they can damage cells. In this 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. The new version integrates practices from Peter Liljedahl's Thinking Classroom, with a 3-part structure to support student thinking in collaborative groups: CARE: Students are introduced to the issue and posed a question KNOW: Students review the prior knowledge they will need to complete the task DO: Students work in groups to design a solution Curriculum link Blueprint year 7: Mixtures (Substances & particles unit) 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
