Sustainable Polymers: New 4-H STEM Curricula

Abstract

There are many environmental issues surrounding the global production and use of plastics. Three science curricula (Grades K–2, 3–5, and 6–8) were developed to introduce youth to the past, present, and future of plastics. Designed using research-based methods and grounded in effective science pedagogy, the curricula provide young people opportunities to explore viable alternatives to plastics and develop knowledge and skills necessary to help mitigate environmental impacts associated with the production, use and disposal of plastics. Evaluation results demonstrated that youth improved their understanding of polymers and intention to help reduce impacts of plastics on the environment