Practical session

Module Title	Module 2: Effects of plastic pollution on human health
Activity Title	No plastic campaign
Activity Code	A2.1	Duration of Activity (in minutes)	120 minutes
Aim of activity	The goal of this activity is to raise awareness among participants about the harmful effects of plastic use on human health. Through research and collaboration, participants will explore the impact of microplastics on human health and use their findings to design a short awareness campaign for their local community.
Materials Required for Activity	· Personal computers/tablets/smartphones and relevant books, magazines, and leaflets
Step-by-step instruction	1) Form small groups of participants 2) Share the available material with the groups and give them access to electronic devices to research. 3) For sixty minutes the participants are asked to find out the effect/impact of microplastics on human health 4) After the research, the participants will design infographics, stickers, and posters per group by using online tools for designing infographics (such as Canva) 5) The designed infographics will be printed and distributed to the local community (schools, shops, markets, etc.) 6) Don’t forget to share the activity and the results on social media using relevant hashtags (#reduceplastics, #noplastic, #campaign)

Module Title	Module 2: Effects of plastic pollution on human health
Activity Title	Experiment: Toxic chemicals in our food
Activity Code	A2.2	Duration of Activity (in minutes)	60 minutes
Aim of activity	To demonstrate the potential for toxic chemicals in plastics to leach into food and beverages, and to promote awareness and action towards reducing plastic use.
Materials Required for Activity	Two clear plastic cups A marker A container of vinegar A container of water A plastic spoon Non-plastic alternatives for food and beverage storage, such as glass or stainless-steel containers
Step by step instruction	1) Label one cup “Plastic” and the other “Non-Plastic” with the marker. 2) Fill each cup with either vinegar (which can simulate acidic food or beverage) or water 3) Dip the plastic spoon in the “Plastic” cup and leave it there for several minutes 4) Remove the spoon and observe any changes in the color or clarity of the liquid in the “Plastic” cup. 5) Discuss with participants the potential for toxic chemicals in plastic to leach into food or beverage over time, especially when heated or exposed to acidic substances. 6) Repeat the experiment using a non-plastic container, such as glass or stainless steel, and compare the results 7) Discuss with the groups the effects those toxic elements would have on human health. 8) Present the actual effects of plastics on humans by using the relevant information from the module.

Additional learning resources

Module Title	Module 2: Effects of plastic pollution on human health
Title of Resource:	How dangerous are microplastics?
Resource Code	R1.1
Introduction to the resource	A DW video documentary, posted on YouTube, regarding the existence of microplastics in various environments that become a point of interest for the scientific world. The documentary follows relevant researcher Christian Laforsch, who has a keen interest in the long-term hazards the microplastics pose. He along with his team utilized their own customized instruments to track them down in order to find out their hazard potential for humans and the environment in general.
What will you get from using this resource?	This resource is valuable for a learner who wants to understand the impacts of microplastics on our world, and what can be done to prevent further damage. It provides an insight into the work being done by scientists, Christian Laforsch and Seema Agarwal, in this area, and gives an overview of their respective research techniques and goals. In addition to understanding the problem of microplastics, learning about the potential solutions discussed in this resource can give learners the tools they need to take action against this pressing environmental issue.
Link to resource	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PlK9oGQvzA