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Thoughtfully Sustainable

It’s not just gas prices… (a simple way to explain it to kids)

Published 3 months ago • 1 min read

The Conscious Classroom

Simple, sustainable STEM ideas that reduce waste, spark curiosity, and inspire young minds.

Hi Reader,

I had one of those “wait… this is bigger than I realized” moments this week.

My friend Jen sent me a link to a podcast episode (if you’re curious, you can listen here):

It talks about how the closing of the Strait of Hormuz impacts more than just the price we pay for gas.

And that got me thinking…

How do we explain this to our kids?

Because while we might immediately think “gas prices,” the ripple effects go much further—into things we use every single day. Including something most kids (and honestly, a lot of adults) don’t realize:

Plastic is made from oil.

That realization turned into a really interesting conversation in our house—and it felt like one of those perfect opportunities to connect current events with real-world science.

So I put together a simple, kid-friendly post that breaks it down:

It’s an easy way to start talking about where plastic comes from, how it’s made, and why it matters—without it feeling overwhelming.

Whether it sparks a quick conversation at the dinner table or turns into a deeper classroom discussion, it’s one of those real-world connections that helps science “click” for kids.

Talk soon,

Jessica

Founder of Thoughtfully Sustainable​
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P.S. If your kids enjoy these kinds of real-world connections, my Sustainability Bingo is a fun, low-prep way to keep the learning going with simple, everyday actions.

It’s an easy win for home or classroom use—and a great way to turn ideas into action.

$5.00

Sustainability Bingo

Introduce your learners to sustainable living habits through the classic game of bingo!
Composting, eating leftovers,... Read more
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Thoughtfully Sustainable

by Jessica Purcell

Are you a parent or teacher that’s looking to integrate science and sustainability concepts into your learners’ lives? I’m here to help! My name is Jessica and I’m a science teacher and mom that creates hands-on sustainability and STEM lessons for grades K-8 to cultivate critical thinking skills and foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

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