Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

In this webquest, you will be investigating the phenomena called the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch'. Make sure to closely analyze all resources to discover how this phenomena may have been caused, and what effects the phenomena has led to. Time to put on the digital lab coats and start exploring! 

This webquest will cover the following standards: 

Stability and Change

• Much of science deals with constructing explanations of how things change and how they remain stable. (HS-ESS2-7)
• Feedback (negative or positive) can stabilize or destabilize a system. (HS-ESS2-2)

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Analyzing data in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to introducing more detailed statistical analysis, the comparison of data sets for consistency, and the use of models to generate and analyze data.

• Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models (e.g., computational, mathematical) in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine an optimal design solution. (HS-ESS2-2)

Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Engaging in argument from evidence in 9–12 builds on K–8 experiences and progresses to using appropriate and sufficient evidence and scientific reasoning to defend and critique claims and explanations about the natural and designed world(s). Arguments may also come from current scientific or historical episodes in science.

• Construct an oral and written argument or counter-arguments based on data and evidence. (HS-ESS2-7)

ESS3.A: Natural Resources

• Resource availability has guided the development of human society. (HS-ESS3-1)
• All forms of energy production and other resource extraction have associated economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical costs and risks as well as benefits. New technologies and social regulations can change the balance of these factors. (HS-ESS3-2)

ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

• The sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources. (HS-ESS3-3)
• Scientists and engineers can make major contributions by developing technologies that produce less pollution and waste and that preclude ecosystem degradation. (HS-ESS3-4)

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions

• When evaluating solutions, it is important to take into account a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, and to consider social, cultural, and environmental impacts. (secondary to HS-ESS3-2),(secondary HS-ESS3-4)

The world is changing. There is something different in the water, and your task is to figure out what is going on. Imagine you are on a boat heading west, far west, into the middle of the Pacific Ocean. There you encounter something that you must research, in order to report back to the general public what you have found. 

Before the investigation, please fill out this google form as a pre-assessment. 

For this investigation, use the resources provided to collect data on the following:

• causes
• effects
• possible solutions 

You can write your notes on the digital platform of your choice, or use this notes sheet to record your data. 

As you progress through the ocean, you collect data from various sources. Make sure to add your data from each source to your notes. 

Source #1: National Geographic Reporter 

Source #2: Marine Debris Program Representative 

Source #3: Wildlife Photographer 

Source #4: Boat Captain 

Source #5: Anthropologist Studying Recycling Plastics 

Now that you have collected your data, you will write up a scientifically accurate article that will be 'published' to share with the public. Explain what you have learned about the causes and effects of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Then propose some possible solutions to deal with the current patch, and prevent growth in the future. 

This article will be graded as follows:

5 pts. Causes--at least two, clearly outlined and explained

5 pts. Effects--at least two, clearly outlined and explained

5 pts. Solutions--at least two, clearly outlined and explained

5 pts. Formatting--article formatting is present, proper grammar is used

5 pts. Scientific Accuracy and Precision 

Congratulations on publishing your research! Make sure to let your peers know of your accomplishment, and add your article to your resume. 

Resources