Jr. Eco-Warriors: Saving Our Seas by Fighting Plastic Pollution
What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
Learners will dive into the fascinating world of oceans and discover how plastic pollution impacts marine life and ecosystems. Students will explore topics such as how plastic travels to the ocean, the harm it causes to sea animals, and what we can do to reduce its effects. Each week, we’ll focus on a specific aspect of ocean conservation, from understanding microplastics to creating personal action plans for reducing waste. Lessons are designed to be engaging and interactive, combining live discussions, visual aids like slides and videos, hands-on activities, and creative projects. The class is structured to include: - Interactive Discussions: I will guide conversations and encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas. - Visual Learning: Slides and video clips will help illustrate key concepts and real-world examples. - Hands-On Activities: Students will participate in fun crafts, or challenges to deepen their understanding. - Creative Exploration: Learners will create pictures, designs, and personal pledges to share their commitment to protecting the ocean. Week of: January 5th-Week 1: Introduction to Our Oceans Explore the importance of oceans for life on Earth. Discuss different ocean zones and creatures. Activity: Ocean habitat drawing. January 12th- Week 2: What is Plastic? Explain what plastic is and how it’s made. Introduce different types of plastic and common uses. Activity: "Plastic Scavenger Hunt" at home to find items made of plastic. January 19th- Week 3: How Plastic Ends Up in the Ocean Discuss how litter and waste travel to the ocean. Explain concepts like currents and watersheds. Activity: Create a simple diagram of how trash travels to the sea. January 26th- Week 4: The Impact of Plastic on Marine Life Learn about how plastic harms animals and ecosystems. Share stories of marine animals affected by plastic. Activity: Create a poster to raise awareness about protecting sea animals. February 2nd- Week 5: Microplastics: The Tiny Problem Simplify the concept of microplastics and where they come from. Discuss how they affect water and marine life. Activity: Make a mini-experiment showing how plastics break into smaller pieces February 9th- Week 6: What Can We Do About Plastic Pollution? Explore solutions like recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and cleanup efforts. Talk about how kids can make a difference. Activity: Create a pledge or action plan to reduce plastic use at home. February 16th- Week 7: Innovations in Fighting Plastic Pollution Introduce exciting new ideas, like biodegradable plastics and ocean cleanup technology. Show examples of people and organizations making a difference. Activity: Design a cleanup tool or invention. February 23rd- Week 8: Celebrating Our Ocean Heroes Recap everything learned in the series. Celebrate students’ efforts and ideas for protecting the oceans. Activity: "Ocean Hero" award ceremony My teaching style emphasizes curiosity and collaboration. I aim to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where all learners feel encouraged to ask questions and share insights. Students will have plenty of opportunities to interact with me and their classmates during live discussions and group activities. By the end of the course, students will not only understand the problems caused by plastic pollution but will also feel empowered to take small, meaningful steps to make a difference for our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
Learning Goals
Students will understand the impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and wildlife, including how plastic enters the ocean and its effects on sea animals.
Students will learn actionable ways to reduce plastic waste in their daily lives, such as recycling, reusing materials, and making environmentally conscious choices.
Other Details
Supply List
Paper, pencil, & coloring supplies. Worksheets will be sent in the classroom at the beginning of each week.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Illinois Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Western Illinois University
As a certified K-9th grade teacher with 16 years of experience, I have a strong background in teaching science, geography, and environmental studies to children aged 4-10. I have created and taught multiple interactive lessons focusing on conservation, wildlife, and ecosystems in both classroom and online settings.
My passion for protecting the environment has led me to design engaging, age-appropriate courses that encourage children to explore real-world problems and solutions, such as plastic pollution and its impact on our oceans. Through storytelling, hands-on activities, and discussion, I aim to make complex topics accessible and inspiring for young learners.
In addition to my teaching expertise, I am committed to fostering a love of nature and empowering children to take actionable steps to protect our planet. My teaching style is interactive, collaborative, and designed to build confidence and curiosity in my students.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$14
weekly1x per week
30 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 5-10
2-8 learners per class