Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Earth Day Lesson - 3 Questions

(1)   What Am I Learning Today?

Today I am learning about one environmental problem created by humans:  The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

(2)  Why Am I Learning This?

I am learning this to understand effects people can have on the environment.

(3)  How Will I Know I Have Learned It?

I will know I have an understanding of humans’ effect on the environment by listing ways that people can positively impact the environment.

My Perspectives Grade 7, Unit 4 People and the Planet Lesson Plan 

Watch:  The Majestic Plastic Bag -- a Mockumentary 

• can also be used to teach personification

Watch:  What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

Read:  Best Way to Deal With Ocean Trash from National Geographic

Answer:  According to the article, what is the best way to deal with ocean trash?

Group Work:  In your group, come up with 10 ways you can reduce trash in the environment.  Use the Go Green Circle Map.

Gate Differentiated Instruction:  Ethics Circle Map

• Why do people litter?

• What can be done about it?

Independent Activity:  Have students make their own pledge to help the environment with these Environmental Pledge Cards.

Digital Pledge Card (Google Slide)

Additional Resources:

• Great Pacific Garbage Patch PSA

• NBC News Story

• Ocean Cleanup

• Charles Moore Ted Talk

• 50 Ways to Help The Planet

• Plastic Oceans from Catalyst (12 min, Graphic images -- High School)

• Solution to Great Pacific Garbage Patch Ted Talk (11 min, 2013)

• The Ocean Cleanup Website

• Plastic Ahoy! Webinar (33 minutes)

• Palau Environmental Pledge Forbes Article, 2017

• Reducing Waste, What you can do from the EPA Website

• 50 Ways to go green in the classroom

• SurfRider Foundation Beach Clean Ups - Long Beach