Lesson Plan – Marine Debris

Guided Exploration

Grade Level:

MS/HS

Subject:

Marine Debris

Duration:

Five Hours

Location:

Classroom and Nearby Field Location

Everyone's Problem

A sea turtle swims near a plastic bag. (Source: SEE Turtles)

Overview:  

Students will explore the origins and consequences of marine debris.  They will illustrate the journey of a piece of discarded plastic and the events that occur as it enters a waterway.  They will examine the data that reveals the pervasive impact it is having on water and widlife throughout the world. They will also propose possible solutions to curb marine debris.

Activities include:

  • Exploring the origins and consequences of marine debris
  • Illustrating the journey of a piece of plastic as it makes its way to a garbage patch
  • Collecting and analyzing marine debris data from a transect
  • Proposing possible solutions for marine debris
  • Organizing and communicating the take-aways from this exploration

Applicable LSSS

6-MS-ESS3-4 

7-MS-LS2-4

8-MS-PS1-3

8-MS-ESS3-3

HS-EVS2-1 

HS-EVS2-2 

HS-EVS3-1 

HS-ESS3-4 

HS-LS2-7 

Objectives:  

Students will identify the types of debris that are prevelant in marine debris.

Students will explain the primary pathways for marine debris.

Students will use a variety of tools to collect marine debris data.

Students will propose possible solutions for marine debris.

Students will organize and communicate the take-aways from this exploration.

Statistics on economic impacts of marine debris. (Source: NOAA)
How Trash Gets Into Creeks (Source:The Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program)
How Trash Gets Into Creeks (Source:The Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program)
Plastic Pollution (Source: WWF)
Plastic Pollution (Source: WWF)