Shoreline Sweep

• What are marine debris & microplastics?

• Real-world pollution impacts - visual & tactile

• Connection between human activities and the impacts on local estuarine ecosystem

• Sorting and categorization into recyclable and non;  Forms of microplastics; Analyzing source material and resulting pollution impacts

• How plastics enter the environment and mechanism for their degradation

To conduct a sweep hands-on:

• Gloves, if available/ Hand sanitizer

• Garbage bags

• Collection Supplies (small bins, clipboards, sample bags - for students to carry their finds, including tiny particles)

• Sorting/Display Supplies (rigid white panels for each category, or white drop-cloth; Signs to mark categories)

For the activity below:

• graph paper or chart paper

• colored pencils/crayons

• Provide intro/background info on topic

• Distribute gloves to each student, if available 

• Instruct students to carefully pick up plastic and other debris while avoiding anything sharp, dangerous, or unknown/questionable (adults can assess)

• Once the litter is collected, gather students for categorization, display, and analysis/group discussion

  • Sorting by color is fun and visually impactful

  • Microplastic categories can be separated: fragments, foams, films, fibers, etc

• Participants will look for large items first, encourage them to look for all sizes. 

• Supervision is important! Safety is key!! There are many hazardous, and sharp items on beaches. 

• Remind participants to leave wildlife and plant materials.

•  Follow local rules for disposal of items collected. Make a plan ahead for garbage.