We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Exploratory Work with the Classroom Community: "assessment of the Pollution of the Sventoji River" in the Citizen Science Project "plastic Pirates"
Summary
This Lithuanian classroom report describes second-grade students and their parents participating in the European Plastic Pirates citizen science project by assessing plastic pollution in the Sventoji River. The activity aimed to build scientific literacy and environmental awareness about plastic pollution in waterways.
The Lithuanian coordinators of the new European eco-citizen science project "Plastic Pirates", the Lithuanian Centre for Non-formal Education for Schoolchildren, have invited the Lithuanian coordinators of the project to join the project. This project is not only internationally significant, but also has the distinction of being a citizen science project. It is a practice that is becoming increasingly popular around the world, where data can be collected by any citizen who wants to, and then the data collected is evaluated by scientists and used in real scientific research. The aim of the Plastic Pirates project is to strengthen scientific cooperation in Europe, promote citizen involvement in science, raise environmental awareness and reduce negative environmental impacts. The project has already been joined by 10 European Union countries. Through various activities and investigations, students will learn about research on the state of Europe's rivers, learn how to carry out research correctly and learn about the problem of plastic pollution in seas and oceans. One of the main activities of the "Plastic Pirates" project is research. "Assessment of the pollution of the Sventoji River" is a research activity carried out by the second grade pupils of the Verdenė Gymnasium in Visaginas and their parents. A training film based on practical activities: the Research paper. "Assessment of the pollution of the Sventoji River" in the citizen science project "Plastic Pirates": (369) Tiriamasis darbas. „Šventosios upės taršos vertinimas“ piliečių mokslo projekte „Plastiko piratai“ - YouTube In summary: - The assessment of the pollution of the Šventoji River has been carried out according to the specified methodology. - The protocol with the collected data has been forwarded to the scientists. - 290 metres were walked along the river and 37 pieces of litter were collected. - The total weight of all litter (including plastic waste) was 4,153 kg. - The total weight of all plastic waste is 1,043 kg. - The children cooperated with their parents during the survey. The hypothesis was confirmed: - We were able to carry out the study and to present the data to scientists. (Some time later, we contacted the scientists and found out that microplastic particles had been found in our sample.) Keywords: citizen science, inquiry, project-based activities, STEAM, classroom community.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
First results of citizen science campaign, Plastic Pirates, in Latvia – microplastic pollution in rivers and streams
Researchers reported the first results of the 'Plastic Pirates - Go Europe!' citizen science campaign in Latvia, engaging schoolchildren to collect data on microplastic and litter pollution in rivers and streams. The study identified pollution types and sources in a country where such research has historically been limited, contributing to understanding of riverine pathways for plastic transport to the sea.
First results of citizen science campaign, Plastic Pirates, in Latvia – microplastic pollution in rivers and streams
Researchers presented the first results from the 'Plastic Pirates - Go Europe!' citizen science initiative in Latvia, where schoolchildren collected data on microplastic and litter pollution in rivers and streams to build knowledge on pollution sources and transport pathways in a data-poor region. The campaign identified dominant plastic types and pollution hotspots in Latvian waterways, demonstrating the value of structured citizen science for expanding monitoring coverage in countries with limited research infrastructure.
Can we investigate microplastic pollution with school students? Experiences from eight years of citizen science research
Researchers shared eight years of experience from the Plastic Pirates citizen science program involving over 24,000 school students and teachers in microplastic research across Germany, addressing challenges of contamination prevention, particle size, and sample processing in non-laboratory settings. The study evaluated the feasibility and scientific validity of engaging young citizen scientists in standardized riverine microplastic monitoring.
Can we investigate microplastic pollution with school students? Experiences from eight years of citizen science research
Researchers reported on eight years of citizen science microplastic research conducted with school students through the Plastic Pirates program, sharing methodological experiences and lessons learned from involving more than 24,000 participants across Germany and other European countries in rigorous environmental monitoring.
Exploring the abundance and characteristics of litter in Lithuanian riversides: a citizen science approach
Using citizen science litter surveys on Lithuanian riversides, researchers documented litter composition, abundance, and spatial patterns, finding plastic dominates riverbank litter and that proximity to populated areas predicts higher accumulation.