Chicago Beach Bash: Plastic-Free Splash!

1st, 2nd, 5th Grades Project 3 weeks

Chicago Beach Bash: Plastic-Free Splash!

Kendra Mallory

CE.4

1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in understanding the impact of plastic pollution on local beaches and wildlife through hands-on learning experiences. Students will explore community challenges related to plastic waste and apply STEM concepts to develop creative solutions. By collaborating with local partners, they will organize a beach clean-up event, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment. This project aims to inspire students to take actionable steps in reducing plastic use and protecting marine ecosystems.

Learning goals

Students will explore the impact of plastic pollution on local beaches and marine life, while developing skills in identifying community challenges and proposing solutions using STEM concepts. They will engage in creating educational materials to raise awareness within their community, fostering communication and collaboration skills. Through hands-on activities, students will learn the importance of environmental stewardship and participate in a beach clean-up, applying their knowledge in a real-world context.

Standards

CE.4 - Identify community challenges and apply STEM content and practices to construct creative and innovative responses and solutions

Products

Students will create informative flyers and digital presentations to raise awareness about plastic pollution and promote the beach clean-up event. They will develop a checklist to identify and address community challenges, showcasing their understanding of STEM concepts in innovative solutions. Additionally, students will design fun and educational activities for the beach clean-up, such as interactive stations that highlight the impact of plastic waste on wildlife.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive presentation from a Shedd Aquarium educator, who will introduce students to the effects of plastic pollution on local marine life. Follow this with a hands-on activity where students sort and categorize different types of plastic waste, discussing their potential impact on the environment. Conclude the launch by brainstorming ideas for the beach clean-up event, encouraging students to think creatively about ways to make it engaging and informative for the community.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, students will host a community beach clean-up event where they will showcase their informational flyers and digital presentations. They will set up interactive stations where attendees can learn about the impact of plastic pollution, participate in hands-on activities related to reducing plastic waste, and engage with Shedd Aquarium representatives. Students will lead small group discussions to share their findings and innovative solutions, fostering a collaborative atmosphere that encourages community members to take action.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2
Activities	Interactive Presentation - Begin with a presentation from a Shedd Aquarium educator on the effects of plastic pollution on local marine life, focusing on community challenges in Chicago (15 min) Plastic Sorting Activity - Students engage in a hands-on activity to sort and categorize types of plastic waste, understanding their environmental impact (15 min)	Brainstorming Session - Students brainstorm ideas for the beach clean-up event, considering ways to make it fun and educational, addressing the challenge question (15 min) Idea Sharing Circle - Students share their brainstormed ideas with the class, fostering collaboration and inspiration for the clean-up event (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed checklist identifying community challenges related to plastic pollution 2. Draft ideas for informational flyers to educate families and neighbors about plastic pollution
Preparation	1. Arrange a guest speaker session with a Shedd Aquarium educator to discuss plastic pollution 2. Prepare materials for hands-on sorting activity (various types of plastic waste samples) 3. Gather visual aids showing the impact of plastic pollution on marine life 4. Create brainstorming templates for students to draft ideas for the beach clean-up event 5. Secure art supplies for flyer design (colored paper, markers, etc.)

Week 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Community Challenges Brainstorm - Students brainstorm and discuss community challenges related to plastic pollution, using a checklist to identify key issues (15 min) Exploring Solutions - Students collaborate in groups to propose innovative solutions to the identified challenges, applying STEM concepts and practices (15 min)	Designing Flyers - Students design informative flyers to educate the community about the importance of reducing plastic use and participating in the beach clean-up event (15 min) Digital Presentation Drafting - Students begin drafting digital presentations to complement their flyers, focusing on key facts about plastic pollution and solutions (15 min)
Deliverables	1. At least one completed flyer or digital presentation from each student or group, ready to raise community awareness and promote the beach clean-up event.
Preparation	1. Secure access to tablets or computers with design software suitable for young students. 2. Gather research materials, including age-appropriate books and online resources, about local wildlife and the impact of plastic pollution. 3. Prepare materials for the role-playing activity, such as character cards and discussion prompts. 4. Coordinate with the Shedd Aquarium to obtain educational resources or guest speakers to support the students' learning.

Week 3	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Final Preparation for Flyers - Students finalize and print their informational flyers, ensuring they effectively communicate the importance of reducing plastic waste and the details of the beach clean-up event (15 min) Presentation Rehearsal - Students practice their digital presentations, focusing on delivering their message clearly and engagingly to the community (15 min)	Event Setup Planning - Students collaboratively plan the layout of the beach clean-up event, deciding where to place interactive stations and flyers for maximum impact (15 min) Interactive Station Development - Students design fun and educational activities for the interactive stations, such as games or demonstrations that highlight the impact of plastic pollution (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed and rehearsed digital presentations ready for the beach clean-up. 2. Informational flyers finalized and printed. 3. Interactive station materials assembled and tested for engagement during the clean-up.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for creating and printing flyers, such as paper, markers, and access to a printer. 2. Provide digital tools for students to finalize presentations, including computers and projectors. 3. Collect supplies for interactive stations, such as plastic waste samples, game cards, and educational posters. 4. Arrange transportation and logistics with Shedd Aquarium representatives and community partners for the beach clean-up day.