Challenge Eight

Challenge Eight: Save the ocean!

Microplastics in our Oceans

The world as we know it is in danger! A not-so-new killer is lurking in oceans, waiting to be consume every living being. It is with the most desperate plea that I beg you to help! The killer: Microplastics.

Now, you may be thinking that plastics endangering the planet is nothing new. You’re right. However, until recently we were unaware at how much harm this small danger was actually doing. Microplastics are extremely small pieces of plastic debris in the environment. These are a product of the disposal and breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste. Although first discovered in 1970, the term microplastics wasn’t used until very recently.

Each of earth’s oceans contains large, swirling water called “gyres.” Microplastics become trapped in the gyre eventually being deposited together in the center of the ocean. This is the Great Garbage Patch. Is this a great, big, floating trash heap? Is it truly the size of Texas? Are there several Great Garbage Patches or just one? All of these answers and more will be revealed as you explore.

Your mission, if you chose to accept it, is to create a microplastics garbage collector. You will plan, design, and engineer your microplastics garbage collector. You design will be put through a final test to determine its usefulness.

Before you start designing, see what two guys in Australia have done to fight ocean pollution!

Your mission

You have been hired! NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Organization) has heard about your reputation to be a creative problem solver utilizing your unique design thinking. They are desperately hoping that you can help solve the Great Garbage Patch catastrophe. You must design, engineer, and create a microplastics catcher/cleaner to rid the ocean of this micro killer. Use the process worksheet below to record your brainstorming, drafts, and plans. Hurry! The environment is counting on you! If you finish early, see the bottom of this page for an extra Challenge activity.

Requirements

You must plan your design using the attached Google Document. Use this document to brainstorm and detail your idea before you start to create. You will build your design using any supplies you deem necessary. Most building will be completed at home. ( If you need special supplies, please see your teacher). Your end product must collect small plastics when tested in a kiddie pool. All final testing will be completed at school.

Ideas of supplies (of course you can use more!): drinking straws, duct tape, rulers, craft sticks, bottles, binder clips, netting, strainers, nuts and bolts, pipe cleaners, cups, zip ties, glue guns, wire, etc.

The Process

1. Define the need

2. Brainstorm (the more ideas the better)

3. Design (sketch your ideas, narrowing solutions, N.U.F. test...is it New, Useful, and Feasible).

4. Build, Test/Evaluate, Redesign

5. Repeat step 4 until your design meets your intended outcome.

Instructions

Use the following worksheet to plan and create your microplastics catcher. You may need to redesign your catcher until it meets your expectations. Hover over the document and locate the square with the arrow. Click it to access the document. You may print a copy or use "File - make a copy" to digitally complete the document.

Challenge

Are you finished with your project quickly? Try this design challenge. You can digitally design your plans using the PBS kids "Design Squad" website. Good Luck!

Finished?

1. Take a picture AND video of your plastic catcher in action.

2. Add to social media: With your parents permission, add your description, picture/video to Facebook, and/or Instagram

3. Please tag us: on Facebook - @aforegon or on Instagram - @architecture_or and hashtags #architectsinschools #aisdesignchallenge