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.