The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is an interesting and somewhat publicized environmental problem. A swirling soup of trash up to 10 meters deep and just below the water surface is composed mainly of non-degradable plastics. These plastic materials trap aquatic life and poison them either by physical blockage or as carriers of toxic pollutants. The problem relates to materials science and the advent of plastics in modern life, a case of technology having unintended consequences. Through exploring this complex issue, students gain insight into aspects of chemistry, oceanography, fluids, environmental science, life science and even international policy. As part of the GIS unit, it is used as a source of content for students to create interesting maps communicating something that they will likely begin to care about as they learn more.