Engaging youth in tackling plastic pollution with the Earth Sciences Museum
By Steph Slowinksi and Corina McDonald
As part of the Microplastics Fingerprinting project, our team, in collaboration with the University of Waterloo Earth Sciences Museum, has created an interactive outreach activity called “Mitigating Microplastics.” This initiative is designed to educate high school students and younger audiences about the pressing issue of plastic pollution and empower them with knowledge and actionable insights.
Exploring the Challenges of Plastic Pollution
Co-developed by the Microplastics Fingerprinting team and Earth Sciences Museum staff, the activity introduces participants to key concepts, such as the difference between managed and mismanaged plastic waste, the staggering amounts of plastic produced globally, and the major types of plastic in circulation. The activity also delves into the science of plastic pollution, highlighting how macroplastics in the environment break down into smaller pieces of microplastics over time —a process akin to the weathering of rocks.
Hands-On Learning: Investigating Microplastics
To bring these concepts to life, students participate in a hands-on activity where they pick out “microplastics” from simulated soil samples and sort them into categories based on plastic type. This practical exercise mirrors the investigative work conducted by researchers in the Microplastics Fingerprinting project, giving students a taste of real-world scientific analysis.
Incorporating Real-World Context
The “Mitigating Microplastics” activity has become a key feature at various educational events, including the Faculty of Science’s Kids’ Science Open House and the Waterloo Wellington Children’s Groundwater Festival. Additionally, it’s offered as part of the Earth Sciences Museum’s programming for high school students.
During the high school sessions, students explore the scope of the (micro)plastic pollution problem, discussing the dual role of plastic both a valuable resource and a source of environmental pollution. They learn how microplastics in the environment disrupt ecosystems and undermine sustainability. The hands-on sorting activity is complemented by an optional lab tour of the Ecohydrology Lab, where students can observe microplastic extraction techniques, including density separation and laser direct infrared imaging (LDIR) spectroscopy. These state-of-the-art methods “fingerprint” the types of microplastics extracted from environmental samples.
Inspiring Action and Solutions
While the activity sheds light on the history of plastic and significant challenges posed by plastic pollution today, it also emphasizes actionable solutions such as the ability to communicate with government policy makers and vote with your dollar to reduce single-use plastics, improve waste management systems, and redesign more sustainable forms of “plastic”. By combining education with empowerment, the “Mitigating Microplastics” activity aims to inspire and equip youth with the tools and knowledge needed to contribute to a more sustainable future.
