Science in the News: The Plastic Pollution Pandemic

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Using Newsela I discovered an article about the plastic pollution pandemic in our oceans.

While browsing through a variety of articles, I chose to read the article, "Plastics Found in Stomachs

of Deepest Sea Creatures." This article immediately piqued my interest not only because I am passionate

about the environment and about doing my part to live sustainably, but due to the desperate need for

protecting our planet and oceans. Currently, we live in dire times. Our society has adopted a disposable

lifestyle since 1950 and we are reaping negative and hazardous effects on the health of our oceans and marine life.

The article discloses some horrific information about plastic pollution, stating "humans have produced an estimated 9 billion tons of plastic since the 1950s. Scientists said it risks near-permanent contamination of the planet." Scientists are reporting to find plastic in the deepest recesses of oceanic trenches. In fact, according to the article, the "ingestion of plastic ranged from 50 percent in the New Hebrides Trench to 100 percent at the bottom of the Mariana Trench." The major concern is that litter into the oceans will ultimately end up washed back ashore or sinking to the deep-sea, there are no other options. Once these plastics reach the deep seafloor there is simply nowhere else for them to go." Based on this, it is scientifically assumed that the plastic will inadvertently accumulate in greater quantities. Reading this article also inspired me to research a little more. In my search, I discovered the article "A Giant Floating Trash Collector Will Try to Scoop Up Ocean Garbage Patch." Click on the title, to read more about The Ocean Cleanup Project and one way they are trying to help improve the situation!

This topic and article alone can encourage an eyeopening discussion in the classroom. One way this topic
can be incorporated into the classroom is through investigation and inquiry. Exposing students to
this real-world tangible problem has the power to engage and pique interests in students. It might ignite
the passion to investigate the issue, research solutions, pose a new solution, hypothesize, experiment,
collect and analyze data, and present their findings. As a future educator, this topic can be used as a
learning platform, one that can empower students the want to make a difference and cause change.

"An estimated 330 million tons of plastic now litter the oceans. More than 5 trillion plastic pieces – weighing more than 275,000 tons – currently float on the surface. Around 9 million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year."

Our society is heavily reliant on plastic. This is quite evident by simply looking at our surroundings.

Ask yourself, what are my possessions made of?

What is my food wrapped in?

What fibers make up my clothes?

For most of us, it’s plastic...

So I ask you; ponder some ways in which you can help make a difference? Even the smallest reduction in plastic consumption can make impactful changes. 

Check out this video from the National Geographic about how we can keep plastics out of our oceans. 

 

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I found these articles using the resource, Newsela. Newselais a database of current event stories specifically produced for the classroom. The benefits of Newsela:

1. It's FREE!!!!!
2. Stories are student-friendly!
3. Stories can be accessed in different formats by reading level allowing teachers to differentiate nonfiction reading.
4. Teachers can create classes and assign reading-level specific articles to individual students, or download printable PDF copies of the article in any of its reading-level versions. 
5. Articles have embedded, Common Core aligned quizzes that conform to the reading levels for checking comprehension.
6. Ability to sign up for a Pro Version which does cost a small fee but allows teachers or administrators to track reading progress and students to take constructed response writing assessments.