Microplastics Science Educator Guide

Support the SDGs and Ocean Decade

The UN Sustainable Development Goals and UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade) outline frameworks to empower youth and local communities to contribute the data needed for the ocean protection we all want.

The Microplastics Science Education Guide provides tangible ways for youth and the public to...

Develop ocean literacy
Fill data gaps to help inform solutions
Understand and beat marine plastic pollution
Develop skills, knowledge and participation
Protect Life Below Water (SDG 14)

Optional lesson plans for classroom use

Illustrated microplastics learning resources

Step-by-step activity instructions

Sandy beach OR classroom sampling activity

Training videos

Data analysis instructions, templates and tools

Community engagement activities

Two children stand on a tropical beach holding two carrying cases of microplastics survey tools

Export Barbados

A instructor teaches university students about microplastic pollution in a classroom

Algoma University

Two young women sift sand on the beach looking for microplastics

Odaqua Mission

Five citizen scientists sit in the sand at a beach sieving sand for microplastics

Let's Talk Trash

A group of Nigerian youth walk on a pathway wearing rubber gloves to complete a plastic cleanup

Re-Cycle Me Solution

A three-generational family stands together on the shore after having completed a microplastics surey

ODI Pilot Study

“I learned more about where microplastics come from. With the data, we can better understand these problems and the effects they have. We can better manage these problems once we know more about them.”

Secondary Student

Gladstone Elementary

"The students were actively engaged and loved working as real scientists. They were able to examine a nearby lake and think about the changes and impact that their actions have on the local environment. They were very excited to use real tools and to see how to share and document their findings with the wider research community."

Grade 6 Teacher

Norquay Elementary

How long does the project take?

The Guide provides options for one hour, one day or ongoing projects. With suggested and editable lesson plans, schools can integrate into their curriculum.

Is it curriculum-aligned?

The Guide aligns with NGSS (US), European science curricula, and environmental science standards.

Do I need special equipment?

The Guide includes options for both real surveys and education-only activities that require items easily found in the classroom or at home, including rulers, string and spoons. Computer access is required for data analysis templates.

To upgrade your toolkit to include an AI-based imaging system, visit our Community Science and Education Toolkit page.

How do I collect real data?

The Guide includes a sandy beach sampling protocol developed and validated by scientists to ensure the data is as standardized and reliable as possible. If you don't have access to a sandy beach, you can still analyze the microplastics you find in your community or follow the sampling activity to provide an educational-only experience for students who do not have access to a sandy beach.

Empowering Youth and Community Scientists to

Beat Microplastic Pollution

Real-World Microplastics Science for the Classroom or the Field

Engage students and community scientists with the tools to tackle microplastic pollution in their local communities.

The Microplastics Science Education Guide

With illustrated learning materials, microplastic beach surveys, data analysis tools, and community outreach activities you can tackle one of our planet's greatest environmental challenges.