Overview
Should plastic straws be banned? Some environmental activists think so. Seattle recently banned plastic straws and other cities are planning to do the same. Activists argue that plastic straws pollute the oceans and harm sea life, but will banning the straws actually help? What would be the consequences? This video takes a closer look at plastic straw bans.

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Science / Technology and Other
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• discuss the government’s role in protecting the environment;
• explain why people think plastic straws are a problem; and
• evaluate the arguments for and against plastic straw bans.

Key concepts and terms covered
Biodegrade and Feel-good policy.

Sample discussion questions
• How often do you use plastic straws? Why?
• Why might journalists have repeated that 500 million straws are used each day in the U.S. without verifying that? Why might activists still use that number?
• To protect the environment, should the government ban items such as straws? If so, what else should it ban?
• Should debates over government regulations be based on facts or is it acceptable to exaggerate or even lie to convince people to do what others want them to do?
• Are you for or against banning plastic straws? Explain.

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 6-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.