Interaction 1: Introductory Lecture

Interaction 2: Beach Cleanup (*Click on image for additional photos of the cleanup and some of the plastic artifacts collected by South Pointe Elementary's 5th graders.)

Interaction 3: Researching Plastic Artifacts (*This interaction began with a review of key concepts. Next, a clamshell container and water bottle demonstrated types of degradation, like bite marks or scission from photodegradation, which produces microplastics. Objects like a coconut husk and sea sponge showed the difference between natural biodegradability and degradation of synthetic materials, as well as how plastics may be confused for things in nature. Students were then placed into groups and given a plastic artifact found during the cleanup to research. Questions about its invention, production, use, disposal, and afterlife guided their research.)

Interaction 4: Narrating Plastic Artifact Biographies (*This interaction involved three stages -- storyboarding, set designing, and filming.)

Interaction 5: Final Poster & Video Presentations (*Click on image for additional photos and videos.)