Introduction
Have you ever thought about where plastic goes after we throw it away? Millions of tons end up in our oceans, affecting marine life and our environment. In this WebQuest, you’ll explore the problem of plastic pollution and develop a plan to take action in your community.
Task
You will work in small groups to:
- Investigate the causes and effects of plastic pollution in oceans
- Propose realistic solutions individuals and communities can take
- Create a digital presentation (Google Slides or Canva) that informs others and encourages change
Process
- Watch the intro video: “Plastic Ocean” Documentary Clip
- Read articles from NOAA, National Geographic, and Ocean Conservancy
- Research assigned roles:
- Marine Biologist
- Environmental Activist
- Policy Maker
- Everyday Citizen
- Meet with your group and combine research
- Create your digital presentation
- Present your findings to the class
Evaluation
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Criteria |
Excellent (4) |
Good (3) |
Fair (2) |
Poor (1) |
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Research Quality |
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Collaboration |
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Creativity/Design |
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Presentation Skills |
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Understanding of Topic |
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned about plastic pollution and explored its impact, how can you reduce your own plastic use? Reflect on the importance of raising awareness and inspiring change in your school or community.
Credits
Credits:
- National Geographic Education: https://education.nationalgeographic.org
- Ocean Conservancy: https://oceanconservancy.org
- Images from Pixabay and Unsplash (free for educational use)
- Video clip: “The Plastic Problem” – PBS NewsHour on YouTube