In grade 5 we are studying about contamination. We have learnt about animals that are endangered because of plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways.

Over these last few weeks we have been investigating about how contamination affects different animals on our planet. First we looked at images of animals that were entangled in plastic, or who had swallowed plastic trash. When we saw these images we felt horrible and shocked! Then, we became angered and we began to feel guilty because we realised that humans are responsible for the excess use of plastic.

In response to how we felt, we started to investigate about some animals that live in, on or around water. We also started to change the way that we use plastic. For example, we have been reusing plastic bottles, counting how often we use plastic in our everyday lives, and using reusable bags instead of single-use plastic bags.

We have created animal presentations using recycled materials in order to show how much contamination is affecting the planet. You can see these presentations in different corners of the school.

Join us in helping to reduce plastic pollution!

You can do this by:

  • recycling cardboard and bottles

  • using reusable bags instead of single-use plastic bags

  • make items with reusable materials

  • refuse a plastic bag when buying small items

  • bring plastic lids (tapitas) to school as Grade 5 is collecting them for a social project called Destapate

  • throw your rubbish inside the bin so that it does not end up in the waterways

It is our duty to save the planet because there is only one!

Written by Grade 5R.