As students read the novel, Flush, by Carl Hiaasen, they became curious about the primary external conflict – water pollution. Specifically, water pollution in the ocean. They learned that this is different from the water pollution in Atlanta, Georgia, a city that is land-locked and pretty far away from the ocean. But, they discovered that the Chattahoochee River carries their trash all the way to the Gulf of Mexico – so they are part of the problem!
This has been an eye-opening experience, because we used to think that ‘marine debris’ was caused by people on the coast. But, now we know that plastic trash is an ever-growing problem and continues to cause problems because of single-use plastic products.
We Use to Think . . . . . . . . Now We Think . . . . . . . . . .
| Water pollution was an issue | SSWater pollution is a real big problem! |
| Water pollution in ocean made beaches nasty | Water pollution in ocean could hurt fish and people! |
| Water pollution in ocean was caused by people on beach | Water pollution in ocean is caused by us (in Atlanta)! It travels a long way! |
| Plastic trash was not a big deal | Marine debris is primarily plastic! |
| Plastic trash comes from big companies | Plastic trash comes from us – single use objects (like grocery bags, straws, cups) |
Because of this investigation, students are now focused on the issue of plastic consumption and how we can address the problem of ‘marine debris’ water pollution in the ocean. So, this week our Visible Thinking Routine was a ‘Spidea Web’ which helped us brainstorm this complicated issue.
Working in groups, students provided ideas on the issues of the 3R’s of our plastic consumption: Reduce-Reuse-Recycle. Many good ideas came from this classroom activity, and students had many ideas. However, I found that providing samples of plastic trash from my own waste basket gave the students ‘hands-on’ experience which helped them become more realistic with their ideas.
They now understand the issue with ‘single use’ plastic products and how they are contributing to the problem. This is a problem that will continue to grow and impact their upcoming generation. So, it is time to address this issue!
Our next step will involve the DEEPdt process (Discover-Empathize-Experiment-Produce) Design Thinking. In their groups, they will gain insights into the plastics industry to understand how this has become such an integral part of our consumer behavior. Through this process, we may uncover a solution that will provide sustainability of the ocean habitat, and our long-term survival on this planet.
Maggie's Blog 
Great blogging on VTRs, Maggie! So impressive! Our students are so blessed to be exploring the world beyond the text in your classroom. Keep it coming!
Thank you for your accolades! I know the students will benefit from this, as they do with all the graphic organizers in your Study Skills class. We have them surrounded by learning!