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Student Article

Everything You Need to Know About Microplastics

By: Leoma Williams
Originally Published in  Science Focus

Microplastics — minute plastic particles — are infiltrating our environment and bodies, posing significant threats to ecosystems and potentially human health.​

The article "Everything You Need to Know About Microplastics" from BBC Science Focus explores the origins, distribution, and impacts of microplastics. Experts Dr. Laura Foster and Thomas Stanton discuss how these particles enter ecosystems, their effects on wildlife and potential human health risks, and suggest measures individuals and governments can take to mitigate the problem.
Student Article Info

BBC's Science Focus is packed with news, discoveries, ideas and innovations to keep you up-to-speed with the complexities of the fast-moving world around us. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
3-56-89-12
Subject:
Science
Topic:
Environmental Science
Keywords
microplasticspollutionmarine lifehuman healthenvironmental impact
A water droplet holding tiny plastic beads inside
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 400-500L
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2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 700L-800L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 900-1000L
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