Grades 9-12: Explore the four categories that follow a scaffolded understanding of marine debris. No matter where you enter the module, look for ways to incorporate steps toward stewardship actions students can take to make a difference.

Composition and Abundance

What is marine debris? Through classroom and field activities, students sort, categorize and come up with a common definition of marine debris. They identify characteristics common to marine debris by experimenting with different materials and analyzing collected samples.

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Sources and Transport

How does marine debris get into and move around the ocean? Students look for evidence that help determine whether marine debris objects originated from land or sea, or from a particular region in the world. They also learn about the role ocean currents play in the distribution of marine debris.

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Impacts

How does marine debris impact humans, wildlife and ecosystems? Lessons in this section demonstrate that wildlife can ingest or become entangled in marine debris, and that invasive species riding on debris can change ecosystems.

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Solutions

Marine debris comes from many sources and requires multiple solutions to address the problem. Students will explore a myriad of solutions from changing public behavior to developing alternative products and new technologies. 

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