Microplastics Science Educator Guide

Editable lesson plans

Illustrated self-guided learning resources, including handouts and infographics

Step-by-step instructions to run a mock or real microplastics sampling activity in the classroom or the field

Sampling activity step-by-step training videos

Data analysis instructions, templates and tools

Community engagement activities to turn data into action

Microplastic Science Educator Guide

$37.99

Empower your students to become environmental scientists! Access editable lesson plans, self-guided learning materials and hands-on activities with training videos to sample and analyze microplastics data in the classroom or the field. Invite your students to explore and engage with real-world environmental problem-solving.

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“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 is designed to provide you options for one less, one day or an entire semester-long project. With suggested and editable lesson plans for both scenarios, you can shorten or expand as needed.

Is it curriculum-aligned?

Yes – it aligns with NGSS (US), European science curricula, and environmental science standards.

Do students need special equipment?

The guide includes options for both real surveys and classroom-based mock activities using items easily found in the classroom or at home. 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 we 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 classroom sampling activity to provide an educational-only experience for students.

What is the grade level?

The projects outlined within the Guide are best suited for students twelve years old and above.

Introduce Real-World Environmental Science to Your Classroom with a Semester-Long, Ready-to-Use Microplastics Science Project!

The Microplastic Science Educator Guide

Engage students with hands-on, standards-aligned tools that make environmental science easy and fun!

A Complete Semester-Long Project That's Ready to Teach!

Turn your classroom into a real-world science lab, and engage students in tackling one of our planet's greatest environmental challenges.

What's Inside the Guide

Everything you need in one convenient place: