Entanglement Problems

Cover of the U.S. Virgin Islands Marine Debris Curriculum - Keeping Our Coastlines Clean
Unit 3 of Keeping Our Coastlines Clean U.S. Virgin Islands Marine Debris Curriculum

The goal of this lesson is to demonstrate what happens to animals that get trapped by some kinds of marine debris. Students will experience similar effects to those that happen to animals that get trapped. This activity works well as an engagement activity.

Marine debris is a pervasive, global problem and one that is felt locally in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Through a NOAA Marine Debris Program prevention grant, the University of the Virgin Islands adapted and revised marine debris lessons for USVI, including Oregon Marine Debris STEAMSS, Turning the Tide on Trash, and Talking Trash and Taking Action. The curriculum was co-created with the input of educators from USVI who participated in workshops and provided input following in-class use. The curriculum also includes 15 spotlights, which highlight USVI-specific marine debris research, local researchers, community-led prevention efforts, and natural disaster impacts from marine debris.

Looking for more USVI activities? Check out Understanding Marine Debris - U.S. Virgin Islands Edition, an activity book filled with an assortment of puzzles, brain-teasers, and coloring activities adapted for use in USVI.

Lesson Plans
Entanglement Problems (Unit 3, Lesson 1)
Education Tags:
Marine Debris Topics:  
• Impacts  
Audience:  
• Grade 6-8  
• Grade 9-12  
Subject:  
• Earth Science  
• Life Science  
Special Categories:  
• Research  
• Class Discussion  
• Models  
NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas:  
• ESS3: Earth and Human Activity  
NOAA Regions:   • Caribbean

For citation purposes, unless otherwise noted, this article was authored by the NOAA Marine Debris Program.

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