Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
06/11/2018
Ikea to phase out some plastic products
Ikea said it will stop selling all single-use plastic products by 2020. The furniture store will phase out items like plastic cups, straws, and plates — including paper products with plastic coating. Ikea also says it will stop handing out plastic items like straws and cutlery. Plastic makes up about 70 percent of all litter in the ocean, and it is expected to triple by 2025. The larger pieces of plastic are killing some creatures, and other sea life is eating plastic after it breaks into tiny pieces. We end up eating our own trash as we consume that sea food.
■Class discussion: Do scientists know how these tiny plastic pieces – microplastics – may effect human health? How much plastic do you throw in the trash? Do you know what happens to the plastic after you finish with it? Microplastic particles have been found in most bottled water and even in the air in our homes. Should we cut back on the use of plastics? Would that even be possible? Can you imagine life without plastic? Could there be better ways to dispose of plastic or recycle it? What research are scientists doing on the problem?