Talking Trash: Ocean Garbage Patches

In this one-time class, students will learn about ocean garbage patches.  They will learn about what they are and are not, where they are, what we know and don't know about them, how they impact the environment, ideas on how to get rid of them, and what they can do to help! By joining this class, learners will gain a better understanding of ocean garbage patches and leave with an action plan on what they can do to help.  

The topics covered in this class include: What and Where are Ocean Garbage Patches?, The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, The Impact of Garbage Patches on the Environment, Garbage Patches and Human Health, Ideas on How to Get Rid of Garbage Patches, and How to Help.  

This class will include a presentation (created using Canva) covering class topics, images and locations of garbage patches, video clips, and time for discussion.  Students will be asked questions during class to invoke thought on our class topics and be given the opportunity to discuss their ideas with other learners and myself.  

My teaching style includes engaging learners in meaning-making discussions which helps to prepare them to take on increasingly rigorous learning tasks in the future.  In my lessons, I like to use broad questions that invite learners to share their observations, prior knowledge, expertise, and experiences with one another and with me.  This results in a more equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant learning experience which supports students' learning and retention of information.  I want my students to see themselves and one another (not just me, the teacher) as sources of expertise.  I also like to link learners' in the moment learning behaviors to practices of working scientists (like making models, asking questions, making explanations, making observations), which allows them to see science isn't just memorizing facts.

No prior experience or knowledge is necessary for this class.  Together, we will learn and contribute what we know.