Rethink Plastic Project

The Rethink Plastics Challenge involves a process of inquiry to better understand plastics, examine challenges and alternatives, and create action plans for local environments. It is designed to guide students in grades K-12 through an inquiry experience. The activities align with our current curriculum. The problem based process involves collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking. We completed the
Each week there are 3 goals. The 1st step is a Pause and Notice: students take time to pause, reflect, and notice. They examine current conditions, beliefs, perspectives, and biases. The 2nd step is Explore Possibilities: they explore all ideas and seek out inspiration. Activities include research, interviews, and requesting feedback. The 3rd step is Design with Optimism: students build on ideas as they design for action. Here they experiment, study, and create!
Week 1 History and Production
Goal 1: Create a mindset of innovation and inquiry. (Empowered Learners)
Goal 2: Better understand the history of plastics. (Timeline)
Goal 3: Understand how plastics are produced today.
Week 2 Considerations and Uses
Goal 1: Begin to understand your current personal relationship with plastics. (Classes and Categories)
Goal 2: Better understand the common applications of plastics. (Why we use them.)
Goal 3: Use a circular economy model to address end-of-life considerations for plastics. (Challenges)
Week 3 Solutions and Plan for Action
Goal 1: Grab inspiration from humans (and worms) taking action for the planet.
Goal 2: Use Life Cycle Assessments and Design Processes to better understand the Impact of Plastic
Goal 3: Use the 8 Rs to RETHINK Your Own Impact
For this final phase, students will work together to take the RETHINK PLASTICS CHALLENGE creating a plan to rethink plastics using the 8Rs in one environment (class, school, home, or community).