Have you ever thought about what happens to the plastic that is thrown into the ocean? Two of my books this week, shared stories about how plastic has a significant impact on our oceans. I am sharing a couple of resources about the impact that trash has on marine life and oceans and more. Both of these books are extremely informational and I know I learned a lot.
Check out the books, videos, and links for more resources that you can use with students in grades 4 to 8.
Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion
by Loree Griffin Burns
HMH Books for Young Readers (March 26, 2007)
Description from GoodReads:
Aided by an army of beachcombers, oceanographer Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer tracks trash in the name of science. From sneakers to hockey gloves, Curt monitors the watery fate of human-made cargo that has spilled into the ocean. The information he collects is much more than casual news; it is important scientific data. And with careful analysis, Curt, along with a community of scientists, friends, and beachcombers alike, is using his data to understand and protect our ocean.
In engaging text and unforgettable images, readers meet the woman who started it all (Curt’s mother!), the computer program that makes sense of his data (nicknamed OSCURS), and several scientists, both on land and on the sea, who are using Curt’s discoveries to preserve delicate marine habitats and protect the creatures who live in them. A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor Book for Nonfiction.
For resources connected with Tracking Trash: Discussion and Activity Guide | Author Notes
Tracking Trash Multi-Touch Edition is another resource which includes videos, interactive photo gallery, and web-search enabled text can be purchased here.
Scientist in the Field Adventure Notes: Message in the Bottle | Tracking Trash and the Common Core | Tracking Trash and Making Art
Loree Griffin Burns: Website | Twitter | Facebook
Video: Gyre: Creating Art from a Plastic Ocean
by Patricia Newman; Photographs by Annie Crawley
Description from GoodReads:
These scientists are on a mission. As part of a research expedition known as SEAPLEX, theyre studying the massive accumulation of plastic in the Pacific Ocean known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. As they use the scientific method to conduct their investigation, their adventures will introduce readers to the basics of ocean science and the hazards of plastics.
Other resources: 10 Ways to Reduce Ocean Plastic | Video Research Project | Activity & Discussion Guide | Algalita's Ship-2-Shore Program | Five Gyres
Watch the Book Trailer for Plastic Ahoy!
Additional Books to begin exploring the topic of "tracking trash" with Younger Audiences:
10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle (HarperCollins, 2005) - In this poignant and funny story, illustrated with strikingly designed collages, Eric Carle also takes readers on an exciting voyage of discovery. Following the little ducks as they float to all parts of the globe, young explorers can see for themselves the meanings of directional words, and learn simple math concepts such as counting and the use of cardinal and ordinal numbers. Each creature the ducks meet is seen in its own habitat and behaves in a true-to-life manner, offering a very simple first view of biology and geography. (description from goodreads)
Ducky by Eve Bunting; Illustrated by David Wisniewski (HMH Books for Young Children, 1997) - A yellow plastic duck makes a long perilous journey when he is washed overboard with a crate full of bathtub toys during a storm. (description from goodreads)
Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews:
