Community Science Toolkit | Ocean Diagnostics Inc

Community Scientists are students, community members, beach cleanup volunteers and ocean enthusiasts who want to protect our planet from microplastic pollution.

Using science and technology developed by Ocean Diagnostics, Community Scientists collect and analyze microplastic data from their local sandy beaches to help identify and address solutions while helping to fill global data gaps.

The Saturna Imaging System is the first-of-its-kind technology that uses machine learning to identify the physical properties of visible microplastics from sandy beaches.

Mariana is an open-access database that hosts the data and provides heat maps and data visualization tools to inform on location of hot spots and priorities for action.

Used together, Saturna and Mariana empower Community Scientists to fill global microplastic data gaps and contribute to meaningful solutions to stop plastic pollution at the source.

Community Science Toolkit for Plastic Pollution

1. Order your Toolkit to receive all the resources, tools and technology you need to run a community science microplastic project.

Community Science Toolkit for Plastic Pollution Learning Resources

2. Learn about microplastic pollution through a digital educational resource.

Community Science Toolkit Microplastics on Beaches

3. Collect microplastics from your local sandy beach using the scientific sampling protocol.

Students Studying Microplastic Pollution with Marine Technology

4. Image, upload and analyze your data using the Saturna Imaging System and Mariana Data Portal.

Data Evaluation Tools and Guides for Plastic Pollution Research

5. Identify the microplastic types in your community with the Data Evaluation Guide, then use your data to inform change at a local and global level.

Community Studies for Microplastic Pollution

6. Engage your community and decision makers while contributing to a global microplastics database.

MEASURE MICROPLASTICS AND CONTRIBUTE THE DATA TO A GLOBAL DATABASE

MONITOR MICROPLASTICS IN YOUR COMMUNITY TO INFORM LOCAL RESEARCH AND SOLUTIONS

TEST FOR THE PRESENCE OF MICROPLASTICS AT YOUR FAVOURITE BEACHES AND LEARN ABOUT SOLUTIONS

EDUCATE AND EMPOWER YOURSELF AND OTHERS

WHY DATA?

The Data We Need for the Change We Want to See

Microplastics (pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size) have been found in all of Earth’s environments, our food, water, air and even our bodies. Cleaning up plastic pollution is important, but we must also prevent it from entering the environment in the first place.

To drive solutions, decision makers need more than global scientists alone can provide. Community Scientists can help to fill these data gaps by using the Microplastics Community Science Toolkit.

"Collecting data that can be used for advancing environmental policy is an exciting way to do real science, and make everyone feel a part of it. Engaging my fellow students in the microplastics sampling was a perfect way to extend our extracurricular activities in an educational and fun way."

Liam Pope-Lau, Grade 8

"I enjoyed being able to get involved within my community and gain a deeper understanding of what’s happening to local beaches. The Toolkit would be an invaluable addition to any classroom because it allows for hands on experience away from a textbook. Students can gain a real world perspective from the evidence collected and can be inspired to advocate for the protection of their beaches."

Taya Holmes, Grade 12

PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH HANDS-ON STEM LEARNING

Start a Classroom Project

ADD MICROPLASTICS DATA TO YOUR EXISTING BEACH CLEANUPS

Start a Community Project

MICROPLASTICS COMMUNITY SCIENCE TOOLKIT

Our tools. YOUR power to make a difference. Together, WE create change.

WE ALL have the power to protect our planet from microplastic pollution

WHAT'S IN THE TOOLKIT?

DIGITAL RESOURCES

TECHNOLOGY & TOOLS

THE TECHNOLOGY

HOW IT WORKS

TOOLKIT USES