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Trawling through the Five Gyres: A Microplastic Research Study : Subjects: Life Science, Earth Science, Marine/Ocean Science - Grade 6
Summary
This educational activity challenges students to analyze microplastic samples collected from each of the five ocean gyres, mimicking real research conditions by counting and categorizing plastic types. The exercise introduces concepts of ocean pollution, scientific data collection, and environmental stewardship to students in a hands-on format.
This activity challenges students to help researchers understand what types of plastics are polluting the oceans! Teachers will prepare samples of microplastics that were collected in each of the 5 ocean gyres, mimicking plastic concentrations actually found in the oceans! Working as a group, students will count the items of plastic and graph their results. They will share their results with the class to compare their gyre to the other four gyres. Finally, students will understand the link between ocean microplastic pollution, and our use of single-use plastics. This activity can be completed in 45 minutes in the class. An additional challenge activity is included, that can be used as a 30-45 minute in-class activity or homework assignment.