Blue - Plastic Not So Fantastic

Australian Curriculum content descriptions:

Year 5 Science:

• Solids, liquids and gases have different observable properties and behave in different ways (ACSSU077)
• Decide variables to be changed and measured in fair tests, and observe measure and record data with accuracy using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS087)
• Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations (ACSIS218)
• Reflect on and suggest improvements to scientific investigations (ACSIS091)

Year 6 Science:

• Changes to materials can be reversible or irreversible (ACSSU095)
• Identify, plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer questions and solve problems using equipment and materials safely and identifying potential risks (ACSIS103)
• Compare data with predictions and use as evidence in developing explanations (ACSIS221)
• Reflect on and suggest improvements to scientific investigations (ACSIS108)

Syllabus outcomes: ST3-12MW, ST3-4WS.

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.7.

Relevant parts of Year 5 Science achievement standards: Students classify substances according to their observable properties and behaviours. Students use equipment in ways that are safe and improve the accuracy of their observations. They compare patterns in their data with predictions when suggesting explanations. 

Relevant parts of Year 6 Science achievement standards: Students compare and classify different types of observable changes to materials. They follow procedures to develop investigable questions and design investigations into simple cause-and-effect relationships, and identify where improvements to their methods or research could improve the data. 

Unit of work: Blue The Film: Inquiry – Years 5 & 6.

Time required: 60 mins.

Level of teacher scaffolding: High – lead students in experiment and discussions.

• Student Worksheet – one copy per student
• Device capable of presenting a website to the class
• A3 piece of paper and two coloured pencils for each pair of students
• Experiment materials for each group: hard plastic (lids, caps,bottles), soft plastic (bags, food packets, ziplock bags), tablespoon, cooking salt, water, food dye, cooking oil, medium to large bowl, 1 litre beaker or measuring cups.

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• Communication
• Creativity
• Critical thinking

Blue is a feature documentary film charting the drastic decline in the health of our oceans. With more than half of all marine life lost and the expansion of the industrialization of the seas, the film sets out the challenges we are facing and the opportunities for positive change. Blue changes the way we think about our liquid world and inspires the audience to action. Find out how to screen or download the film here. Along with the film is an ambitious global campaign to create advocacy and behaviour change through the #oceanguardian movement. To become an ocean guardian, see the website.