Turning the Tide on Trash: A Learning Guide on Marine Debris.

The oceans covering two-thirds of the earth's surface constitute a resource for animal life, fishing industries, coastal economies, and recreation. This learning guide is a collection of 14 activities integrating art, language arts, mathematics, music, science, and social studies with the study of marine debris. A student survey is used to introduce the issue of marine debris. The activities are divided into three units. In Unit 1 activities, students define, classify, and characterize marine debris. In the activities in Unit 2, students study the effects of marine debris on marine life, people and communities in coastal areas. In Unit 3, students explore ways to prevent and reduce the generation of marine debris. Each activity provides directions for the teacher that include educational objectives, directions, needed vocabulary and materials, subject being integrated, learning skills utilized, and the duration of the activity. Appendices contain: (1) a glossary of terms; (2) resource lists containing organizations, curricula, publications, informational packets, audiovisual materials, and posters; and (3) reproducible clip art illustrations. Many of the activities are accompanied by reproducible student worksheets. (MDH)