UK: Environment Agency launches World Ocean Day resources for schools

Primary and secondary schools have been invited to view a series of online films and activities via an interactive map in advance of the event, culminating in a live question and answer session with Environment Agency and World Wildlife Fund experts on the actual day.

By clicking on different points of the map, students can learn how plastic pollution travels through our toilets and drains to rivers and oceans having started life as a balloon, plastic food wrap, litter, clothing and agricultural materials.

They will also hear about climate change, household waste, how plastic has been found in rock pools, the different sizes of plastic (micro, macro and nanoplastics), and have the chance to take part in a competitive litter pick and art competition, plus other fun activities.

The resources have been created by the Environment Agency’s plastics and sustainability team on behalf of the Interreg Preventing Plastic Pollution project.

Kelly Haynes, Environment Agency STEM engagement officer, said:

Expert evidence has shown that plastic in our environment has detrimental effects on flora and fauna in the natural world and that its presence affects our wellbeing.

By supporting World Ocean Day, we hope to bring to life some of these issues and encourage a circular economy for plastics, helping to protect the future of our wildlife and planet. Everyone can play a part in avoiding unnecessary plastic.

We hope this interactive learning programme will be a great motivational tool for students of all ages, inspiring them to make small environmental changes in their daily lives by following the avoid, reduce, reuse and recycle lifecycle mantra – doing their bit to help marine life thrive.

Schools can directly access the primary and secondary resources online, or sign up to the live question answer session via Eventbrite.