Threats to the ocean: pollution and plastics...

Third grade Quest students are still on their Ocean Unit. Last week, we began discussing the many threats to the ocean. We learned about the various forms of pollution, and researched how long it took for a variety of items to "decompose." Students brought in a variety of trash and we created a 3D decomposition timeline. We were shocked at the results! Disposable diapers take 450 years to decompose...that means 100% of the diapers ever made and ever used are STILL here in our environment! The internet will tell you that plastics take between 500-1000 years to decompose...BUT scientists will tell you that plastics NEVER actually decompose...they simply break into smaller particles called microplastics. Unfortunately, these microplastics end up in the stomachs of many ocean creatures (even some that we eat)! The students learned that we must do better as a people of taking care of our precious planet.









Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
All About Me! Recently, students completed an About Me project that showcased information about their families, homes, unique interests, talents, and favorite things! The students loved working on this project so much! Of course, learning was involved as well! Students added to their list of Google Slides skills. They learned multiple shortcuts, how to add animations to images and words, as well as how to time these animations. It's clear from these pictures that everyone's favorite part of the project was presentation day!
Read more

The Silly Side of Space!

Image
 In 2nd grade, Quest students learned all about space....but apparently they didn't get their fill!! These past 2 weeks we have visited the sillier side of space. Students created their very own alien...then taught the aliens! Students were tasked with writing clear instructions on how to make a snack. Students taught the aliens how to make cheesy pepperoni roll ups and s'mores. After showing the aliens how to make the snack, we all chowed down! It was clear from the chocolate on the chins, that everyone loved this activity! Students also learned how NASA grows plants in space with their VEGGIE system. We then started our own seedlings. Some are already sprouting! Next, these creative kiddos constructed their own planet with paper mache. After drying, they painted their unique planet to fit their personal art style. While the paper mache was drying, students took a break to play Would You Rather...space version! And FINALLY, we got some new lightbulbs in our room that the stude...
Read more

Rainforest Dioramas

Image
 The students have been working very hard building their rainforest dioramas. They have loved the opportunity to be creative and use a wide variety of art supplies to show off what they have learned! There is no good way to choose who gets to bring the project home and who doesn't...so these pictures will have to do :) I think they did great! A lot of fun was had!
Read more