Ocean Trash Can Recycling STEM Kit

This exercise examines various types of pollutants, their sources, and their effects on the ocean, its inhabitants and the surrounding coastline. Students classify ocean pollution into five basic categories; debris, toxins, dissolved nutrients, particulates, and oil. They model the effects of ocean pollution with activities examining a variety of topics: the effect of the pH of various liquids on calcium carbonate; the effects of dilution, buffering capacity, salt and acid runoff; acid rain; the ability of water to purify itself; and oil spill clean-up. As a final project, students design and write a newsletter containing articles with pertinent pollution topics such as current laws, pollution, effects, bioaccumulation, and prevention. Requires four class periods plus research time. Required, but not included: six 1 gallon milk containers. Designed for 24 students working in six groups of four.

• Comprehensive ocean pollution study: Explores major pollution types, sources, and impacts on oceans, marine life, and coastlines, with classification into five key categories..
• Interactive, hands-on learning: Students model real-world pollution effects through activities on pH, runoff, dilution, buffering, acid rain, self-purification of water, and oil spill cleanup.
• Culminating research project: Includes a newsletter project on current laws, impacts, bioaccumulation, and prevention; designed for 24 students in small groups over four class periods plus research time.