An Ocean of Plastic: The Ocean needs you!

Information about this Science Story

Resources: 30 Suitable Ages: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Topics: Sustainable Resources, Biodiversity, Ocean, Citizen Science, Plastic Pollution

Objectives and Outcomes

Students can observe and understand the impact of plastic waste in their daily lives.
Students understand how they and their families can make positive changes in their behaviour.
Students develop critical thinking and can analyse the lifecycle of products and their environmental impact.
Students understand how local actions can have global consequences.
Students can think creatively about solutions to environmental problems.
Students develop a sense of responsibility for protecting our planet's oceans and wildlife.

Introductory gif of ProBleu Science Story

Meet the team

The scientists/ educators behind this Science Story:

Name: Amy Kenworthy.
Role: Presenter/ Science Communicator.

Name: Dr Lauren Biermann.
Role: Satellite Remote Sensing Scientist.

Name: Dr Dan Clewley.
Role: Lead Research Software Engineer.

Background

Plastic pollution is a growing crisis in our oceans.
Most plastic originates on land and persists in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, gradually breaking down into microplastics that permeate the entire marine ecosystem.
Teaching about plastic pollution engages students in environmental stewardship while developing skills in science, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
This interdisciplinary topic equips students with knowledge about environmental processes, material properties, human impacts, research, and potential solutions, informing their daily choices and future decision-making.

Downloadable Science Story

This Science Story includes videos and activities that link to each other. Videos in this lesson plan provide background knowledge for the activities. We suggest watching the videos and choosing the activities that best suit your class or adapting them to suit your class.