VIMS - Marine Science: Microplastics

VIMS - Marine Science: Microplastics

JASON Learning and VIMS have partnered to give students compelling information about our diverse waterways and the environmental impact of common but destructive practices with plastics and waste. Your students will learn how we can all work together to better protect our health and aquatic environments with the VIMS – Marine Science: Microplastics Curriculum and the Beyond the Water Bottle: Minimizing Microplastic Pollution Design Thinking Challenge. These resources will educate, motivate, and challenge your students with a focus on personal responsibility as well as an emphasis on Marine Science and the environment.

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Mission 1 - Beyond the Water Bottle: Minimizing Microplastic Pollution

Plastics have dramatically improved the quality of almost every aspect of our lives. We simply cannot live without them, but how might we live smarter with them? In this challenge, students are guided by VIMS Researcher Meredith Evans Seeley as they learn about the pervasive nature of microplastics and flesh out a solution to reduce plastic debris in their community to better protect our health and aquatic environments.

Target Audience: 

Grades 6-12

Examples of Key Vocabulary/Concepts:

Design thinking, citizen science, microplastic debris, life cycle analysis, decomposition, circular economy, environmental impact, and prototype.

“This instructional unit is a true gem in the realm of science education, as it not only imparts knowledge but also empowers students to be active participants in addressing the critical issue of plastic pollution that our world faces today. One of the most commendable aspects of this unit is the emphasis on having students think critically about the plastics pollution crisis. By encouraging young minds to explore this pressing environmental challenge, JASON Learning instills a sense of responsibility and ownership in the next generation of leaders and problem solvers.”

Educator JudgeBest of STEM Awards

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