Educators are our favorite people. To support them, we provide a diverse ecosystem of resources including science-based lesson plans, classroom toolkits, mini-grants and more. We’ve already reached thousands of middle and high school students across the country and we aim to keep improving and growing. We teach about the sources and impact of plastic pollution, and empower the next generation to be a part of the solution.
Free Resources for Educators
Our online program Wayfinder Society for Environmental Education is designed to support educators and students in teaching and learning about plastic pollution. Watch the video and scroll to learn about the various aspects of the program.
Teaching Kits
Check out our all-materials-included teaching kits. Kits are free for public school educators and were created to model real research being done on plastic pollution.
Free Lessons with Editable Handouts
As part of our online program, Wayfinder Society for Environmental Education, we have a selection of free, standards-aligned lessons to use in your classroom. Designed for grades 5 and up, our lessons are built from our 30+ years experience studying the issue of plastic pollution. We’ve also co-create lessons with other organizations in the movement, and with educators in our network. Lessons are adaptable, instantly accessible, hands-on, and interactive. Find editable handouts, student worksheets, and answer keys in each lesson. Save a copy to your Google Drive, edit as needed, then print or upload to your Learning Management System.
Student Hub for Taking Action on Plastic Pollution
This collection of over 30 Actions guide students through the steps for making an impact on plastic pollution in their home, school, or community. Students can create an account to submit their work and earn Hours for their time spent. Use the Actions in your classroom as class project ideas, extra credit, or homework. You can have your class or Environmental Club create team accounts, or sign up as an educator for class codes. Or have your high-achieving students who are interested in this topic create an individual account for extra guidance and ideas for how to get more involved.
The Story of Plastic documentary
This full length documentary was created to give the plastic pollution movement a powerful tool for change by showing the human side of the story. Watch the film via streaming and use the classroom or virtual education guides made by Algalita to process the film with your students.
Educator Mini-Grants
Nominate yourself, or another educator for this bi-monthly opportunity to win $100-$750 of unrestricted funding. We celebrate educators who are doing exceptional environmental education, particularly related to plastic pollution.
Professional Development Workshops and Virtual Community Events
Join us virtually or in-person for a workshop, guest speaker presentation, or roundtable discussion. Become an expert on plastic pollution and empowering youth to be a part of the solution. The state of plastic pollution is a rapidly changing. We will help you stay up to date with the newest developments and will walk you through our educational resources.
Standards Alignment Guides for Teaching about Plastic Pollution
Looking to incorporate plastic pollution into your curriculum? Our standards-alignment guides provide suggestions for how our free resources can be used to address various Next Generation Science Standards or support AP Environmental Science Units. We also have how-to guides for more information on getting the most out of our resources.
Educator Spotlights and other Community News
Read our educator spotlights for ideas and inspiration for how other educators are teaching about plastic pollution, leading school-wide sustainability and waste reduction initiatives, and making a true difference in our quest to create a world where plastic pollution is unthinkable. We’ll also share updates, recaps, and successes in our community.
Elementary School Resources
Algalita focuses most of our work on students grades 6 and up, so here are some of our favorite resources to engage younger students!
The fantastic documentary, Microplastic Madness, beautifully outlines the problems with plastic and how they can be addressed at school. Centering environmental justice and people of color in science, this resource exemplifies the future we want. Created by our friends at Cafeteria Culture. Free screenings for title one schools!
MICROPLASTIC MADNESS DOCUMENTARY +
Videos & Books
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT PLASTIC +
Environmental Science Fieldtrips
Algalita’s fieldtrips foster environmental stewardship by connecting students with their watershed through real hands-on research and investigation. Students will learn about plastic pollution and other human impacts by exploring the urban Alamitos Bay and Seal Beach coastline. Available year round for grades 6-12 and college/university. Fees apply, though fee waivers and bus fee reimbursements available for Title 1 schools as funding lasts.
“Either we shape our future or stand passively by while it shapes us.”
-Charles Saylan
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