Overview
Water and Plastic Don't Mix
This week we will discuss a significant water resource issue that of plastic pollution. Plastic does not biodegrade but rather continues through the ecosystem primarily landing in the ocean. The effects on wildlife and ecosystems is significant. Access the following video and references to better understand this issue.
Part I: The Links
Use these resources to here and your own internet research to explore and better understand the causes, issue, and solutions of plastic pollution in water ecosystems.
**Be sure to click in the i in the corner of the video that has more resources to explore**
TRANSCRIPT
ARTICLE: Transforming Ocean Plastic Into Fashion
ARTICLE: Solutions to Plastic Pollution in our Oceans
Part II: Questions
In order to allow time for your classmates to respond, an initial response should be posted no later than Friday of Week 4. Since this is not a writing assignment but a discussion, you will not need to formally reference your work but need to attribute it to the source you found it, something likely you do in everyday conversation. For example, "Yesterday I was reading in the Washington Post that . . " or, "I found this interesting video on YouTube."
Initial posts and replies to classmates after the end of Week 5, Sunday, will not be accepted.
Choose one of the following topics to discuss in your initial post either Plastic in Ocean or Solutions to the Issue of Plastic Pollution.
Topic 1: Plastic in the Ocean
- What do you see as the cause for plastic pollution?
- What specifically are the effects of plastic pollution on these resources? Choose one of the following topics discuss:
- birds
- ocean mammals
- fish
- water quality
- How significant of an issue is plastic pollution? Did your opinion change after researching the topic?
Topic 2: Solutions to the Issue of Plastic Pollution
- What do you see as a viable solution for the issue of plastic pollution?
- What are the pros and cons of the solution you chose?
Part III. Replies:
Whether you disagree or agree with your classmates' initial posts, let them know why. Try to bring in any personal experiences you have on the topic. Don't be afraid to offer different ideas and outside resources. Make links clickable - much more likely it'll be viewed. Remember that replies need not be lengthy, but need to be substantive.