Overview

Students learned about microfibers. They conducted research and surveys. They created PSA's and editorials.  They learned about PSA production and design.  They interacted with Dr. D. Deheyn SIO and Shannon Subers and Delanie Medina from San Diego Coastkeepers to learn about issues and solutions. 

Project Initiation

San Diego Coastkeepers(SDC) launched the project by asking students to conduct a community trash survey and discuss plastic pollution's impact.  Students watched introductory videos on microfibers, learned how to document their sources, and  were taught how to find information from valid and reliable sources specific to their project.  PSAs broken down into components and evaluated for effectiveness. Persuasive techniques were taught.  SDC taught watersheds and connected it to the project. 

Project Exploration and Development

Students conducted research about microplastics and microfibers. They surveyed their  communities and collated data on the trash they observed. They met on Zoom with San Diego Coastkeepers' Shannon Subers and Delanie Medina to learn about plastic pollution and the invisible threat posed by microfibers. Mx Subers then taught a lesson about watersheds and run-off pollution, connecting it to the microfiber problem. Students analyzed the labels of their clothing and assessed the prevalence of synthetic fabric. They learned about microfibers from Dr. Deheyn, from Scripts SIO. They determined possible solutions to the microfiber problems based on their research.  They included valid data. They wrote editorials and created PSA's that would be posted on SD Coastkeepers FB and Instagram accounts.  

Project Revision and Exhibition

Students completed their projects with guidance from the English teacher, CTE teacher and SDC.  San Diego Coastkeeper joined the students and reviewed their projects and sent them feedback forms. Students read the suggestions and adjusted their PSA's. Students filled in reflections forms during and after the project. PSA's were exhibited  and evaluated by students and teachers in other classrooms and data was collected on Google forms. 

Teachers and Subjects

Pamela Hashimoto - English
Joe Paulsen - CTE
Trang Vu - Math
Joanna Schonian - Math