4
What threatens our planet? (1)
Textbook pp. 16–19
GoalKnow how plastic waste harms water and animals.
New words
waste, rubbish · chiqindiplastic · plastikocean · okeanpollution · ifloslanish
Explanation
Plastic bottles, bags and caps do not rot in nature for a very long time. If they end up in rivers, seas and oceans, fish and other animals may swallow plastic thinking it is food. Oil and harmful substances also pollute the water. Our health depends on the health of our planet: if we harm nature, we harm ourselves. Rubbish belongs only in the bin.
Worked examples
“By the river”. On a school trip the children rested by a small river. When leaving, Malika saw empty bottles lying on the bank. “If these fall into the water, it is dangerous for the fish,” she said. The children collected the bottles, carried them out in a bag and put them in the right bin back home. The teacher praised them.
Class activity
“Clean the shore”: a “shore” is drawn in class with “rubbish” cards. Children sort the cards into the right bins (plastic, paper, food) and say why.
Practice
1
Why is plastic dangerous for nature?
It does not rot for a very long time and animals may swallow it
2
What can we do to help sea animals?
Not throw rubbish into water, use less plastic, join clean-ups
3
What does “our health depends on the health of our planet” mean?
If we harm nature, we are harmed too