Microplastics Educational Toolkit

ABOUT THE KIT

The Microplastics Educational Toolkit provides educators with resources, technology and easy-to-use instructions to teach environmental science and data interpretation, and encourages students to engage with their community about the problem and potential solutions.

It can be used for a day-long activity or incorporated throughout an entire semester. Lessons focus on STEAM, social science, and ocean literacy and helps to build competencies in critical thinking, problem solving, computational data, communication, ocean literacy and collaboration.

WHY MICROPLASTICS?

Microplastics are pieces of plastic less than 5 mm in size (the size of a pencil eraser) that have been found in all of Earth’s environments, including 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 much more data about the location and types of microplastics in different environments. With the Microplastics Educational Toolkit, students can gain the post-secondary ready knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to tackle these complex issues no matter their field of study.

THE SATURNA IMAGING SYSTEM

To understand how microplastics break down, move through the water and collect on coastlines, scientists need sufficient size, shape and colour data.

Saturna is a portable camera-based imaging and illumination device that plugs into a compatible Windows computer and syncs with a web-based app to rapidly analyze visible microplastic particles.

Saturna provides students with the opportunity to use a first-of-its-kind technology to learn how STEAM can help to tackle complex environmental issues. Educators will follow step-by-step instructions and guide discussions on how data holds clues about the sources and fate of microplastic pollution.

Plan your Lessons

Understand the Kit and how it works. Be inspired with ideas on how to structure a semester-long project with editable suggested lesson plans that can be tailored to your teaching plans.

2. Microplastic Pollution Educational Resource

Teach students about microplastic pollution, the importance of data to identify solutions, and the role of STEAM in addressing complex environmental issues.

3. In-Classroom Sampling Activity

Following step-by-step instructions, run a mock scientific activity in the classroom or the field for students to sample recovered ocean microplastics.

4. Optional Field Sampling Activity

If you have access to a sandy beach, follow step-by-step instructions to conduct the mock sampling activity in the field. Students may collect real microplastics they find to analyze the plastic pollution in their community.

5. Data Analysis

Using the Saturna Imaging System and Data Evaluation Guide, students will learn why scientists collect physical microplastics data and analyze their own data sets to identify themes, trends and solutions.

6. Communication Tools

Empower students to communicate their learnings through a project of their choice. Examples include art projects, campaigns, community engagement, presentations and more!

Taya Holmes, Grade 12

“The Toolkit in an invaluable addition to any classroom because it allows for hands-on experience away from a textbook - students gain a real-world perspective.”