PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH

VOCABULARY Biodegradable = Is an apple core biodegradable? Can break down into elements that do not harm the environment. Is an apple core biodegradable? Is plastic biodegradable?

Is plastic biodegradable? No! Plastic is NOT biodegradable. Plastic is an unnatural (human-made) substance. When plastic is in the environment, it never breaks down, but stays there and remains plastic forever!

Think/Pair/Write/Share Where do you think most of our plastic trash winds up?

Watch the Video: “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” and answer the questions on your notes sheet. Answers come quickly so make sure you read the questions first and are paying attention!

You are in charge of making an educational statement about the Pacific Garbage Patch! Summarize all the information in questions 1-5 into a short paragraph (2-5 sentences). Make it catchy as well as educational!

Where do you think the Pacific Garbage Patch is located? Why?

What is the North Pacific Gyre? A group of ocean currents that circles clockwise in the Pacific Ocean and stretches from California to Japan.

How does the North Pacific Gyre help form the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? It catches all the plastic in the ocean and sucks it into the middle just like a whirl pool! This makes all the trash group together in the middle of the gyre.

Watch the Video: “Sailing the Great Pacific Garbage Patch” and answer the questions on your notes.

Reflection Questions Answer by yourself. Be ready to share out what you write.

Putting it Together Make a flyer according to the details on the last page of your packet. You may work alone or with (a) partner(s), but each person must turn in his or her own flyer.