Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop and assess the effectiveness of a plastic waste management awareness programme for VIII standard students in Vadodara city. The programme focused on topics such as plastic, plastic pollution, microplastics, and waste management techniques, and was delivered using lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations, and multimedia resources. A quasi-experimental design with pretest and post-test measures was used, involving an experimental group and a control group. The results showed a significant improvement in the post-test scores of the experimental group compared to the control group, indicating the programme’s effectiveness. Feedback from students also reflected a positive response to the programme, with increased awareness of plastic waste management. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating environmental education into science curricula to foster sustainable practices among students, and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13, SDG 14, and SDG 15).