Microplastics

Students use a sampling protocol to collect, sort and quantify (by number or by weight) marine debris collected from a beach. The 5 Gyres lesson provides data cards for macro and micro marine debris. This activity is available for Grades 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12, within the "Composition and Abundance" unit. 

Use scientific data to craft a way to reduce microplastics. Students will talk about the costs and benefits of their solutions to the marine environment and the people who use it.

A summary of the work of Danielle Lasseigne, a microplastics researcher at the University of the Virgin Islands

Students will learn what microplastics are, where they come from, and their effect on the environment.

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->  A summary of the distribution of marine debris (specifically microplastics) throughout the water column and food web.

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->  In this activity, students will learn about the fundamentals of water treatment systems and the challenges that microplastic particles present to both waste and drinking water systems.

In this activity, students will learn more about the career of a research scientist who studies plastic pollution. Dr. Sherri “Sam” Mason is a leading researcher in the field of plastic pollution and has published numerous peer reviewed academic articles.

In this lesson, students will use the knowledge gained from the previous activities and/or independent research to develop a personal position on plastic pollution in their lives and communities. They will support this position with factual information from credible sources, write a concise position statement, and present it to their class.

We explore how trash gets into the water. We investigate the common marine debris in the Great Lakes. We learn how trash (plastic) impacts animals including people.