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Ocean Plastic Unit
Explore the world of sea turtles to see what makes them so important to our oceans - and to us!
Understand the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans and planet!
Design & engineer eco-friendly, plastic-capturing prototypes in our STEAM lesson plan!
Become part of the pollution solution right now on our outdoor “field trip”!
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An engaging and educational resource designed to inspire young students to explore the critical issues of plastic pollution and its impact on marine life.
This unit is divided into 4 lessons, each containing its own video series and lesson plan. You can teach one lesson at a time (e.g., watch the Meet the Boneheads videos and then do the corresponding lesson) or watch all the videos first and then choose the lesson plans that work best for your class. The tools are flexible—use them in the way that best fits your teaching style and your students’ needs.
Intro
Meet the Boneheads! This segment introduces students to the topic of ocean plastic pollution with a fun, animated adventure featuring the Boneheads. In the art lesson plan, students will use recycled materials to create eco-collages that illustrate the journey of plastic waste and its impact on the environment.
Problem
It’s Your Planet Too! This segment explains how plastic enters the ocean, its impact on marine ecosystems, and the role of keystone species like sea turtles. It's paired with a social justice lesson plan, where students research and write about the broader impact of pollution on human communities and the environment.
Solution
Think Like Engineers! highlights green technologies like The Ocean Cleanup’s Interceptor and Clear Blue Sea’s FRED. The videos are complemented by a STEAM-focused engineering design lesson plan, where students will brainstorm, design, and prototype their own solutions to clean up plastic waste.
Action
You Have the Power! Wrapping up the unit is an upbeat music video that encourages students to make a difference at home and at school, plus an outdoor cleanup activity that empowers students to take action in their local communities.
Lesson Previews
Lesson 1: Meet the Boneheads! Ocean Plastic & Sea Turtles
This engaging adventure is designed to teach your students about the fascinating world of sea turtles, and the critical issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. Through a captivating animated documentary, thought-provoking activities, and hands-on lessons, students will explore the impact of plastic pollution on sea turtles and learn about innovative solutions to tackle this global problem.
Video Segments
Video 1: Plastic Muddled Ocean Turtles - Part 1
Join host Bobby Donohue at HOPE Headquarters as he explores the impact of plastic pollution on ocean life, especially sea turtles. Apparently, JP Rothbone plans to dump plastic bags into the ocean, thinking sea turtles will consume them. However, the vigilant Boneheads intercept to thwart his plan, protecting the turtles.
Video 2: Unraveling the Plastic Threat to Sea Turtles
In this video, we uncover the journey of plastic waste from our daily uses to its unfortunate destination in the ocean, where it becomes a perilous threat to creatures like the leatherback sea turtles. These turtles, mistaking plastic bags for jellyfish, face severe health risks from ingestion and entanglement. As plastic breaks down into microscopic pieces under the sun's relentless rays, it becomes nearly invisible, entering the food chain at every level and affecting all ocean inhabitants. This video not only highlights the challenges but also emphasizes the importance of our actions and choices in preventing further damage to marine ecosystems. Through engaging storytelling and insightful research, we'll explore why it's crucial to rethink our plastic usage and discover how we can contribute to a positive change, ensuring a safer environment for sea turtles and other marine life.
After the Video:
What are some properties of plastic that make it dangerous to marine life? Talk about how plastic breaks down into microplastics and why it is not biodegradable.
How does plastic pollution affect sea turtles and other ocean life? Discuss the problem of ingestion and entanglement.
After the Videos: Class Discussion Topics
What are some properties of plastic that make it dangerous to marine life? Talk about how plastic breaks down into microplastics and why it is not biodegradable.
How does plastic pollution affect sea turtles and other ocean life? Discuss the problem of ingestion and entanglement.
Eco-Collages - Visualizing Plastic’s Journey — Art Lesson Plan
In this art lesson plan, students explore the pressing issue of plastic pollution and its impact on marine environments through the creative medium of eco-collages. Using recycled materials, students of all ages will develop unique artworks that not only foster artistic skills but also enhance their understanding of environmental stewardship. This project encourages students to express their insights into the consequences of plastic waste and the importance of sustainability, tailored to each grade level’s understanding and ability. Through this activity, students are inspired to think critically about their role in protecting the planet and are empowered to convey powerful conservation messages through art.
Lesson Standards Alignment
Creating:
Students build on foundational skills by incorporating symbolic elements into their collages, such as using blue materials to represent water or wavy shapes to symbolize ocean currents. They are encouraged to think more deeply about the story their art is telling and how it reflects the journey of plastic pollution.
Presenting:
Students deliver structured presentations to their peers, explaining the symbolism in their artwork and how it communicates an environmental message. They practice organizing their thoughts and answering questions about their creative process.
Responding:
Students evaluate how effectively the artworks communicate environmental messages. They discuss elements like the use of symbols or how the materials represent pollution and its impact on marine life.
Connecting:
Students explore real-world actions they can take to reduce waste, such as recycling or using less plastic. They discuss how their collages represent these actions and inspire others to do the same.
3-LS4-3 (Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity): By using art to depict how plastic pollution impacts various species, students understand the importance of biodiversity and the interdependence of organisms within ecosystems.
3-5-ETS1-1 (Engineering Design): Students are tasked with designing artistic pieces that communicate solutions to environmental issues. They will define the problem of plastic pollution and brainstorm visual representations that encourage conservation and sustainability.
3-5-ETS1-2 (Engineering Design): This standard is engaged when students evaluate and refine their artistic representations of environmental solutions, considering feedback to enhance the communicative power of their art.
3-5-ETS1-3 (Engineering Design): In crafting their artworks, students plan and implement tests to determine which materials and messages most effectively convey their ideas about sustainability and environmental protection.
4-ESS3-1 (Earth and Human Activity): Students explore how human actions impact the environment and represent these impacts through art, learning about responsible waste management and its importance for environmental health.
5-ESS3-1 (Earth and Human Activity): The art project enables students to express how human activities contribute to environmental problems like plastic pollution and to consider how art can play a role in raising awareness and prompting action.
5-PS1-3 (Matter and Its Interactions): Through the creation of art using different materials, students explore the properties of materials used in art, such as plastics, and understand their impact on the environment when not disposed of properly.
Conclusion & Assessment
Grade 3:
Focus on the basic environmental concepts such as the lifecycle of plastics and their impact on sea turtles. Enhance the lesson by having students participate in a local clean-up event, applying what they've learned about preventing plastic pollution.
Grade 4:
Concentrate on the scientific explanations behind the accumulation and breakdown of plastics in the ocean. Assess students on their ability to connect their artistic choices to these scientific concepts. Consider extending the project by having students research and create a presentation on innovative global solutions to plastic pollution.
Grade 5:
Dive deeper into the systemic impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems. Assess students based on their ability to articulate complex interactions depicted in their artwork and the effectiveness of proposed solutions. Enhancements could include a collaborative project to design a school-wide recycling campaign based on their findings.
Lesson 2: It's Your Planet Too! The Plastic Problem
This documentary segment delves into the numerous threats sea turtles face in their natural environment, with a particular focus on the dangers of plastic pollution. Leatherback sea turtles, for example, often mistake plastic bags for their favorite food, jellyfish, leading to significant health problems. As the documentary progresses, it explains the critical role sea turtles play as keystone species in their ecosystems, how they contribute to the well-being of planet Earth, and why it is essential for humans to protect them. The film also explores the nature of plastic, how it ends up in our oceans, the challenges of removing it, and the innovative efforts by organizations like The Ocean Cleanup and Clear Blue Sea to combat plastic pollution.
Video Segments
Video 3: Sea Turtles and Ecosystem Balance
Discover the vital role of sea turtles in marine ecosystems, where they act as keystone species influencing their environment profoundly. This video shows how their dietary habits benefit other marine life and ocean health, highlighting their impact on jellyfish populations and seagrass beds. Learn about sea turtles' symbiotic relationships and their crucial contribution to marine biodiversity. The video also tackles the threat of plastic pollution, emphasizing the need to protect sea turtles to preserve ocean well-being and, by extension, human life. Join us to understand the importance of sea turtles in maintaining ecological balance and how we can contribute to their conservation.
Video 4: Plastic's Path From Convenience to Crisis
This video delves into the world of plastic, revealing its journey from everyday use to the ocean, where it becomes a lasting pollutant. Students will learn about plastic's non-biodegradable nature and its breakdown into harmful microplastics, contributing to vast oceanic garbage patches and threatening marine life like sea turtles. The story of a single plastic bag illustrates the broader issue of plastic pollution, highlighting its impact from the ocean's surface to its depths.
Video 5: Plastic Muddled Ocean Turtles - Part 2
Now that Bonehead and T-Bone understand why it's important to stop JP and save the sea turtles, they're faced with the question of how to do it. Pa Fossil outlines the mission details for our heroes, but as usual, Bonehead is too preoccupied with daydreaming about fame and glory to pay attention. Even worse, the duo don't know how to sail back to land!
After the Videos: Class Discussion Topics
Why are sea turtles important to the ocean ecosystem, and how does their health affect humans? Discuss the concept of a keystone species.
How can plastic used by humans in our neighborhoods and parks end up in the ocean? Brainstorm ways to prevent this from happening.
What are gyres, and how do they contribute to plastic pollution in the ocean? How does this phenomenon affect marine life?
Pollution and People: Writing for Change — Social Justice Lesson Plan
In this thought-provoking social justice lesson plan, students will explore the profound connections between environmental responsibility, human activity, and social equity. Through age-appropriate research and creative writing projects, students will examine how pollution impacts both natural ecosystems and human communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by environmental issues. By fostering a sense of empathy and responsibility, this lesson empowers students to think critically about their role in protecting the planet and advocating for fairness and sustainability for all living beings.
Lesson Standards Alignment
Identity:
Students explore their identity as active participants in addressing environmental challenges, understanding that their choices and actions can contribute to a healthier planet.
Diversity:
Students appreciate the interconnectedness of different species, exploring how biodiversity is essential to the health of both natural environments and human communities.
Justice:
Students identify the unfair consequences of pollution on vulnerable populations, both human and animal, and discuss how advocating for environmental change promotes justice.
Action:
Students engage in written reflections or creative projects advocating for community action, such as starting recycling initiatives or raising awareness about plastic pollution.
3-LS4-4 (Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity): Students will evaluate the effects of environmental changes such as pollution on animals’ survival and reproduction, understanding how human actions can impact biodiversity.
4-ESS3-1 (Earth and Human Activity): Fourth graders will assess the impacts of human activities on natural resources, discussing how sustainable practices can reduce negative effects on the environment and improve community health.
5-ESS3-1 (Earth and Human Activity): Fifth graders will identify and evaluate the ways in which human activities contribute to land degradation and how these actions can be modified to prevent environmental damage.
Conclusion & Assessment
Grade 3:
Assess students through short written reflections or illustrated responses where they identify one organism or community affected by pollution and propose a simple solution. Guide students in brainstorming ways their school can reduce pollution, such as a class recycling initiative. Consider displaying their ideas in a shared space to encourage awareness among peers.
Grade 4:
Students will write a brief report detailing the effects of pollution on a specific organism or community and suggest actionable solutions. Encourage them to connect their learning to real-world applications by proposing a class-wide or school-wide initiative, such as reducing plastic use in the cafeteria. Optionally, have students collaborate to create an educational poster or presentation to share their findings with other classes.
Grade 5:
Students will develop a more in-depth written report analyzing the impact of pollution on an organism or community, incorporating research and potential long-term solutions. They will be encouraged to think critically about how their school or local community can take action, such as advocating for better recycling programs. For an extension, students can present their findings and proposals to a school audience or community members to inspire real change.
Lesson 3: Think Like Engineers! Ocean Plastic Solutions
The “Think Like Engineers” video and STEAM lesson plan introduce students to engineering solutions for combating plastic pollution. The video showcases technologies like the Interceptor and FRED, inspiring students to design their own solutions. The accompanying lesson plan engages students in the engineering design process, from brainstorming to prototype testing, emphasizing practical application and collaborative problem-solving in addressing environmental challenges.
Video Segments
Video 6: Innovative Solutions for Ocean Plastic Cleanup
This video showcases innovative technologies like the Ocean Cleanup's Interceptor and FRED, the robot dedicated to removing debris from our waters, alongside BeBot, designed to clean up beach litter. These technologies are not just presented as solutions but as catalysts to spark the imagination of young viewers, encouraging them to conceptualize their own strategies to fight plastic pollution.
Video 7: Plastic Muddled Ocean Turtles – Part 3
The reality of Bonehead's mission is radically different than his heroic daydream, but he and his team still manage to board JP's airship and stop his cronies from dumping the plastic bags into the ocean. As usual, T-Bone gets all the credit, much to Bonehead's chagrin.
After the Videos: Class Discussion Topics
How can engineering and science be used to develop solutions to the problem of plastic pollution in the ocean?
Discuss the importance of STEAM topics in addressing environmental challenges.
Plastic Cleanup — S.T.E.A.M. Engineering & Design Lesson Plan
In this STEAM-focused lesson plan, part of the Ocean Plastic Unit, students delve into the challenges of plastic pollution and its harmful effects on marine life, including sea turtles. Through a combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics, students across all grade levels will learn about and develop innovative solutions to combat plastic waste in our rivers and oceans. This engaging lesson encourages students to apply the engineering design process, enhance their problem-solving skills, and creatively integrate art and technology to design practical devices that help preserve marine ecosystems.
Lesson Standards Alignment
Creating:
Students design and create more complex models or prototypes that address specific aspects of plastic pollution. They are encouraged to think innovatively about how to use materials to build effective pollution-cleaning devices.
Presenting:
Students prepare structured presentations that explain their engineering solutions, focusing on the design process and the functionality of their prototypes. They learn to articulate the purpose and mechanics of their creations clearly.
Responding:
Students evaluate each other’s projects, providing constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement. They learn to assess the practicality and environmental impact of different solutions.
Connecting:
The connection between technology, art, and environmental stewardship is emphasized, with students exploring how their projects can make a real difference in combating plastic pollution.
3-5-ETS1-1 (Engineering Design): Students identify a real-world problem—plastic pollution—and develop solutions by designing devices or systems that could help mitigate this environmental issue. They use criteria and constraints to guide their designs, focusing on practicality and environmental impact.
3-5-ETS1-2 (Engineering Design): Students compare multiple solutions aimed at reducing plastic pollution. They evaluate each design based on its effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and feasibility, promoting critical thinking and decision-making skills.
3-5-ETS1-3 (Engineering Design): Students plan and carry out tests of their designs, such as a classroom simulation of a river cleanup device. They use the results to make data-driven improvements to their designs, learning about iteration and optimization in engineering.
4-ESS3-1 (Earth and Human Activity): Students investigate how human activities contribute to plastic pollution and explore engineering solutions that reduce this impact. They discuss the role of community practices and policies in managing waste and encouraging recycling.
5-ESS3-1 (Earth and Human Activity): By engaging in a design challenge to minimize plastic waste, students see the direct connection between human activities and environmental health. They consider how innovative technologies can prevent plastic from reaching marine environments.
Elements of S.T.E.A.M.
Science:
Begin the lesson by discussing the problem of plastic pollution, its effects on marine life, and Earth's systems. Explain how plastic waste travels through rivers and how human activities contribute to plastic pollution. Discuss the different types of plastics, their properties, and the process of degradation. Explore the concept of renewable and nonrenewable resources and the importance of sustainable solutions.
Technology:
Introduce the Interceptor and FRED as examples of green technology solutions that help clean up plastic waste. Encourage students to research existing technologies and identify areas for improvement.
Engineering:
Explain to students that their goal for this lesson is to design a green technology solution to tackle plastic pollution in rivers or oceans. Provide students with various building materials, such as cardboard, foam, scissors, tape, and glue, to help them create prototypes of their designs. Encourage them to think creatively and critically about how their solution can efficiently collect plastic waste from the water while minimizing harm to the environment and marine life. Students can work individually or in small groups to brainstorm and sketch out their ideas before moving on to building their prototypes.
Art:
Emphasize the importance of communication and visual representation in the design process. Encourage students to sketch their ideas and create drawings or diagrams that explain their solutions. Remind students that communicating their ideas effectively, both within their design group and to the rest of the class, is an essential aspect of the design process.
Mathematics:
As students develop their prototypes, encourage them to use mathematical concepts such as measurement, scale, and geometry to refine their designs. This will help ensure that their solutions are efficient and well-planned.
Conclusion & Assessment
Grade 3:
For third-grade teachers, emphasize the engineering design process and teamwork. Encourage students to communicate and collaborate effectively, sharing their ideas and suggestions. Focus on the importance of persistence and learning from trial and error as students develop their prototypes.
Grade 4:
For fourth-grade teachers, incorporate Earth science concepts such as erosion, weathering, and the impact of human activities on the environment. Discuss the importance of reducing plastic pollution and the role of engineering and design in creating sustainable solutions. Encourage students to research existing technologies and identify areas for improvement.
Grade 5:
For fifth-grade teachers, delve into the properties of materials and their effects on the environment. Discuss the different types of plastics, their properties, and the process of degradation. Explore the concept of renewable and nonrenewable resources and the importance of sustainable solutions.
Lesson 4: You Have the Power! Take Action to Prevent Ocean Plastic
The “You Have the Power” segment includes a music video and an outdoor activity lesson plan. The video inspires students to combat plastic pollution, while the lesson plan involves them in a practical cleanup event, directly applying the concepts learned and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility.
Music Video
Video 8: "Hey No More Ocean Plastic" Music Video
"Hey No More Ocean Plastic" is an upbeat song that reinforces the importance of taking care of our environment by reducing plastic waste. Through relatable lyrics and a catchy tune, the song encourages kids to be mindful of their plastic usage and disposal, and emphasizes the consequences of plastic pollution on marine life, such as sea turtles. By taking simple actions like recycling and reusing, kids can work together to create a cleaner, healthier future for our oceans and the planet.
After the Video: Class Discussion Topics
What can kids do at home and at school to help reduce plastic pollution and protect sea turtles?
Share examples of actions students can take in their daily lives.
Pollution Cleanup — Outdoor Activity Lesson Plan
In this outdoor activity, students in grades 3-5 will participate in a hands-on field trip to clean up plastic debris within their community. This exercise aims to underscore the importance of environmental stewardship and illustrate how local actions can prevent plastic pollution from reaching the oceans, thereby protecting marine life such as sea turtles. Through this interactive lesson, students will learn about the impact of plastic waste, engage in responsible waste disposal, and explore the significance of community involvement in ecological conservation.
Lesson Standards Alignment
3-LS4-4 (Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity): Students will make connections between the presence of plastic waste and the potential threat it poses to local wildlife. They’ll discuss how the environment supports various forms of life and the impact of pollution on biodiversity.
4-ESS3-1 (Earth and Human Activity): Fourth graders will analyze the effects of human activities, such as littering, on land degradation and water pollution. They will discuss the role of responsible waste disposal and personal actions in preventing pollution.
5-ESS3-1 (Earth and Human Activity): Fifth graders will discuss the broader implications of plastic waste on the environment and human health, exploring solutions that can minimize waste and prevent its negative impacts on ecosystems.
3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, 3-5-ETS1-3 (Engineering Design): Students in grades 3-5 will engage in an engineering challenge to design a method or tool to make their cleanup activity more efficient. They will define problems, develop solutions, and optimize their designs based on the results of their outdoor activity.
Conclusion & Assessment
Grade 3:
For third grade students, incorporate a lesson on the importance of sea turtles in the ecosystem and how plastic pollution affects them. Before the cleanup, discuss the roles sea turtles play in maintaining the health of the ocean and why keeping their habitat clean is crucial. Encourage students to think about how their actions, such as picking up plastic waste, can help protect sea turtles and other marine life.
Grade 4:
For fourth grade students, integrate a lesson about the properties of different plastics and how they can cause harm to marine life. During the waste sorting activity, have students examine and discuss the various types of plastics they collected, focusing on their properties and why they pose a threat to marine animals like sea turtles. Encourage students to think about alternative materials they could use in their daily lives to replace single-use plastics.
Grade 5:
For fifth grade students, introduce the concept of ocean currents and how they can transport plastic pollution across vast distances. After the cleanup, discuss how the plastic waste they collected could have traveled to the ocean and eventually entered a gyre. Engage students in a conversation about the global nature of plastic pollution and how individual actions, such as participating in a cleanup, can contribute to a larger solution.
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