About the Project

In this hands-on environmental impact project, 6th-grade students across six campuses will explore the growing issue of ocean plastics through scientific investigation and community action. They will begin by researching different types of plastic, learning how they enter marine environments, and mapping where they accumulate in ocean gyres and the water column. Students will analyze real-world samples, compare them to local sand samples, and investigate the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
Through mapping ocean currents and gyres, they will gain a deeper understanding of how plastic moves through the ocean. The project will culminate in a field trip to Seal Beach, where students will conduct a hands-on microplastic survey using a meter-by-meter grid. By collecting and analyzing data, they will connect their research to real-world environmental challenges. Students will apply their knowledge to develop and implement personal action plans to reduce plastic use. These solutions will be shared with their families and the broader community, empowering students to take meaningful steps in combating plastic pollution.