World Oceans Day is celebrated on 8th June every year. Follow the activities to learn about some of the issues involved.
Are you a STUDENT?
Watch video-1 and answer the questions.
video-1 (by medsos.gr )
| a) How do you think the plastic bag got into the sea? | I guess/ I imagine/ I suppose…(Somebody) must/could/might/may have + (past participle)… |
| b) Have you ever witnessed such a situation? Describe your experience. | Yes, quite a few times and it was really uncomfortable/disgusting/annoying/sad…I remember last year during my holidays …I was swimming …and I felt something touching my leg… |
| c) Which environmental problem does this commercial identify? What is the message of this commercial? | It’s clearly/ probably about…I reckon it refers to … |
| d) Do you think it is an important problem? What can/should be done? | It is definitely an important environmental problem because…I think everyone/ we/ the government/ all countries must/should + (infinitive)… |
| e) How does the song of this video relate to its message do you think? | I’m not sure exactly but…I guess/ I imagine/ I suppose…I get the impression that… |
In order for you to answer question (d) it might be a good idea to watch video-2 which highlights some main parts of this environmental problem.
video-2
Are you a TEACHER?
Here’s a lesson plan suggestion.
LESSON PLAN
1. Play just the audio part (song) of video-1 up to 0:22 without revealing the footage yet or play the whole song which is titled “In the mood for food” by Barrie Gledden and Kes Loy. You can find it at youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xDIsjmjwtY
2. Ask the students what kind of commercial they think this song might cover. Allow some initial discussion. For lower language levels or weaker classes you may wish to prepare a gapped text exercise with the song lyrics.
3. Play the video from 0:24 to 0:29 and ask the students what is happening, e.g. where are the people, what are they doing, what is the cashier handing the lady, what is she saying, why do you think the plastic bag is dripping with water etc.(by the way the cashier is saying: “Here’s the bag you asked for” and the written message reads: :Who do you think is going to collect them?”)
4. Let the students speculate about the content/theme of the commercial.
5. Play the commercial. Discuss with relevant questions:
a) Why is the plastic bag in the sea?
b) Have you ever witnessed such a situation? Describe your experience.
c) Which environmental problem does this commercial identify? What is the message of this commercial?
d) Do you think it is an important problem? What can/should be done?
e) How does the song of this video relate to its message do you think?
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES
1. What if the plastic bag could talk? Write the script to accompany this commercial.
2. Search the web for information why plastic bags are a threat for sea life or watch video-2. Write an entry for your school blog.
3. Write a letter to the local authorities to suggest ways of reducing plastic bags use and pollution.
4. Create a poster to inform people about the environmental problem that plastic bags cause.
5. Do you know how long it takes for some common types of trash to break down? Take a quiz.
RELEVANT SOURCES