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The Problem of Plastic Trash Islands

Graphic of the Pacific garbage patches with major currents and the subtropical convergence zone. Image Description under the Featured Image Description Heading.
Phenomena: Plastic Trash Islands

Guided by the Pacific Trash Islands students will research and present on the problems of plastic trash.

Learning Goals:

  1. Students will read and watch various informational texts and resources and take structured notes to support comprehension.
  2. Students will conduct independent research on a current event
  3. Students will create a google slide show or other presentation and present their findings and ideas.
  4. Students will practice speaking and listening skills.
Materials List

Handouts

Classroom Supplies

  • Personal computer for each pair of students

Important Links

Featured Image Description

Map of the North Pacific Ocean from the Equator to the Tropic of Cancer. The map has a light blue circle from the North Equatorial current to the Kuroshio to the North Pacific to California. Inside this circle are two garbage patches represented by multi-colored swirls. By Kuroshio is the Western Garbage Patch. By California is the Eastern Garbage Patch or N. Pacific Subtropical High. Along the Northern edge of the circle between the two garbage patches is the Subtropical Convergence Zone which has garbage represented by a spread of colored dots.

Lesson 2 of 4 / Time: 3 periods of 50 mins

This lesson is designed for 3 days, 50-minute sessions. The students will watch videos and take 2 column notes to guide independent research. The students will examine different solutions that are already being tried and experimental solutions that have not yet been implemented. The students will research the problem and then develop a Google Slide show or chart paper presentation with a partner highlighting the major factors contributing to the problem and the worst effects the problem is creating.

 

Adrift in a Sea of Plastic

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