Introduction to Washed Ashore

Cover of Washed Ashore Integrated Arts Marine Debris Curriculum Summary.

In this introductory lesson, slides will show examples of marine debris and also of Washed Ashore sculptures. Whenever possible, actual examples of marine debris and sculpture work will be provided. The lesson will conclude with a brainstorm activity to look at the plastics used in everyday life.

Washed Ashore, in partnership with the NOAA Marine Debris Program, developed an integrated arts marine debris curriculum to educate school students about marine debris.

Washed Ashore, with the help of community volunteers, has been creating large sculptures made of marine debris to add to a traveling exhibit that moves around the country raising awareness about plastic pollution with the goal of sparking changes in consumer habits. Building on this experience educating about marine debris, as well as the experience of the NOAA Marine Debris Program, Washed Ashore developed this integrated arts marine debris curriculum. Through presentations and hands-on classroom activities using the language of the arts, the curriculum educates the students about marine debris, plastic use in our society, and how to prevent marine debris both individually and as a community.

To view and download this marine debris curriculum, visit https://www.washedashore.org/curriculum/.

Lesson Plans
Education Tags:
Marine Debris Topics:  
• Types and Sources  
• Impacts  
• How to Help  
Audience:  
• Grade 3-5  
• Grade 6-8  
Subject:  
• Social Studies  
• Art  
• Earth Science  
• Physical Science  
Special Categories:  
• Class Discussion  
• Multimedia  
NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas:  
• PS1: Matter and Its Interactions  
• ESS3: Earth and Human Activity  

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

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