Trash collection can be a hassle, especially out in the ocean. The second of four parts in the Adrift in a Sea of Plastic unit has pupils research plastic trash islands in marine ecosystems. They investigate why they occur and potential...

Students consider the concept of ocean pollution. In this ocean activity, students participate in a hands-on demonstration in order to replicate an oil spill and its effects on marine life.

Are our oceans really suffering due to the choices humans make? The sixth and final installment in the volume of activities challenges research groups to tackle one of six major topics that impact ocean health. After getting to the...

Just because we can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there! A growing concern for environmental scientists is toxic nanoparticles in our air and water. Young scholars conduct an experiment to demonstrate how these particles can cross our...

Learners study their role in eliminating ocean pollution and helping keep the oceans clean. In this environmental issues lesson, students define pollution and brainstorm examples of ocean pollution. Learners define biodegradable and...

Students explore how oil pollutes the oceans. In this science lesson, students investigate various materials that could be used to clean up an oil spill. Students discuss which materials worked best and how humans can reduce oil spills.

Students examine the different techniques that may be used to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  In this ocean pollution lesson plan students divide into groups and complete a lab to see how the ocean holds carbon dioxide.

Seven pages of fascinating reading on marine debris preface the activities in this lesson plan. Four different activities are employed to simulate how the debris is distributed in the ocean and along beaches. Early ecology learners...

Students explore marine life by conducting a rubber duck experiment. In this water currents instructional activity, students practice identifying latitude and longitude coordinates on a map and define the currents of major oceans....

Students examine the techniques that may be used to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  In this pollution instructional activity students simulate oceanic sequestration using chemistry.

Students investigate how human beings impact ocean ecosystems. In this ocean ecosystem lesson plan, students explore how marine debris affects marine life. Internet resources are provided.

Learners explore the concept of environmental stewardship. In this science lesson, students investigate data from the International Coastal Cleanup, identify sources of marine debris, and discover the impacts of this debris on wildlife.

Students explore the causes of water pollution. In this environmental lesson, students conduct experiments with natural filtration systems.

Using a magnifier, mini marine biologists examine the barbules of a bird feather. They swirl the it into a mixture of oil and water and then re-examine the feather. After the activity, discuss how the oily feathers pose a problem to...

Students study the Pacific salmon and see the different challenges they face.  In this environment lesson plan students complete several activities that show how humans have affected the salmon environment. These activities have...

Students build and experiment with a watershed to understand the effects of pollution. In this movement of water activity, students work in groups creating rock formations and change the viscosity of the liquids falling down the...

Students perform experiments to examine if debris float, or blow in the wind. The effects of these characteristics on the marine debris are then discussed. They determine how a material can influence what becomes marine debris.

To better understand how solar power can aid in creating desalinated drinking water, the class creates a model still. They will build a model of a solar still, make observations, and discuss how the process works. While the idea behind...

Students recognize that one source of drinking water is ground water located in aquifers. They create a model of an aquifer and summarize their experience in a report.