Here, I have compiled FREE resources and materials that may be useful for education about plastic pollution. Follow the links provided to access these, and be sure to give credit when applicable.
Microplastics Outreach Toolkit - Developed by the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, this toolkit contains educational materials for the general public, scientists, and decision makers. Access the website here: mp-toolkit.itrcweb.org/
Microplastics and Microfibers Research in the Classroom: Explore microplastic pollution through two hands-on activities developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for K-12 classrooms. Access the website here: marinedebris.noaa.gov/curricula/microplastics-microfibers-research-classroom
Microplastic Experiments and Field Investigations for Middle School Classrooms: A series of worksheets and outdoor activities were created by scientists in North Carolina through the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. Access the website here: nerrssciencecollaborative.org/resource/microplastic-experiments-and-field-investigations-middle-school-students
Florida Microplastics Awareness Project - Compiled by University of Florida Extension, this project provides free resources to K-12 educators hoping to add microplastics to their lesson plans. Access the website here: flseagrant.ifas.ufl.edu/microplastics/k-12-resources/
Skype a Scientist- Teachers can connect to a entire database of scientists willing to host lectures, meet virtually with K-12 classrooms, and share what it is really like to be a scientist. This is a free resource that spans across a variety of disciplines. Access the website here: www.skypeascientist.com/
The Story of Stuff Coloring Activities (English and Spanish versions available): https://www.storyofstuff.org/plastic/coloring-activity/
Stormwater Walk Activity (from the Georgetown County Stormwater Division): https://georgetowncountycleanwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Stormwater-Walk.pdf
WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS? Microplastics are pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm. You may have heard about them in the context of marine systems, like in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, but they pollute freshwater systems, too!
WHY ARE MICROPLASTICS BAD? Microplastics can adsorb other harmful environmental contaminants onto their surface and transport them around ecosystems- or into organisms. For smaller organisms, the ingestion of microplastics may disrupt normal bodily functions and make them feel full. This prevents the uptake of necessary nutrients and could cause organisms to starve. Larger organisms may take up microplastics from their environment, or may eat smaller organisms that have microplastics in them, which can impact them in a similar fashion. Ultimately, there is still much unknown about the impacts of microplastics on organisms and the environment, but more research is being done every day to improve our knowledge.
WHAT ARE THE SOURCES OF MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION? Point source microplastic pollution (meaning there is a specific place they're coming from) includes wastewater treatment plants, which may distribute microplastics in effluent. While wastewater treatment plants have a high removal efficiency of microplastics, many are ill-equipped to completely prevent microplastic contamination and may release millions of microplastics into receiving streams every day. Non-point source microplastic pollution is trickier- this type of pollution doesn't have a clear source to be tracked back to, including litter, car tires, shedding from synthetic clothing, etc. Non-point sources of microplastics may be transported by rainfall from the terrestrial environment into waterways, making it difficult to prevent.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION? Lower or stop your use of products with plastic in them (which is easier said than done)! Reducing the amount of single use plastics you use can lower the amount of plastic going into landfills or into the natural environment, preventing the fragmentation into microplastics. Also, advocating for policy changes at both local and state government levels may impact how plastic is being handled. For example, did you know that Michigan has a ban on banning plastic bags?