Ocean Alert

Ocean Alert Worksheet

Worksheet Description

This worksheet explores the environmental issue of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive accumulation of debris located in the North Pacific Ocean. It explains how this garbage patch is not a visible island of trash but rather a dispersed collection of plastics, fishing nets, and other debris that have converged due to ocean currents. The text describes the origins of the garbage, highlighting how much of it comes from land-based sources and poor waste management practices. It also details the impact of this marine pollution on wildlife and ocean health, emphasizing the complexities of cleaning up such a dispersed and moving target.

The worksheet aims to educate students on the causes and consequences of marine pollution, specifically focusing on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It teaches about the ecological and biological impacts of ocean debris, including the dangers to marine life and the broader environmental implications. By learning about the challenges of addressing such widespread pollution, students are encouraged to think critically about waste management and environmental stewardship. This educational tool seeks to inspire proactive attitudes towards reducing plastic use and improving global recycling efforts to protect marine ecosystems.