Tracing Plastic: Decomposition and Policy Analysis

Students explore their own relationship with plastic consumption, map plastic use in their daily routines, and learn about decomposition timelines. They then introduce themselves to their partner class and exchange initial observations about plastic use in their respective countries.

Students research their government's plastic production monitoring, recycling regulations, and policies on alternative materials. They compile findings into a shared research brief and exchange detailed policy summaries with their partner class to identify similarities, gaps, and regional differences.

Using their partner class data, students analyze why reusable shopping bags and alternative materials are or aren't being adopted in each region. They investigate cultural, economic, and infrastructural barriers through interviews, surveys, or secondary research, then share findings asynchronously with their partners for joint analysis.

Students synthesize their research and comparative analysis into evidence-based recommendations for improving plastic management and accelerating adoption of sustainable alternatives. They exchange draft recommendations with their partner class, provide structured peer feedback, and refine their conclusions based on international perspectives.

Each class presents their comprehensive findings on decomposition timelines, policy comparisons, adoption barriers, and recommendations in a multimedia format. Students reflect on what they learned about their own and partner countries' approaches to plastic management and identify next steps for advocacy or community action.

Students conduct a hands-on audit of local shops, markets, and households to document current plastic use, existing reusable alternatives, and barriers to adoption. They gather photos, interviews, and observations, then synthesize findings into a slides presentation that bridges their local reality with the policy research, ready to share with the partner class.