Record Details
Mitigating Microplastics : Development and Evaluation of a Middle School Curriculum
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Mitigating Microplastics : Development and Evaluation of a Middle School Curriculum |
| Names |
Kowalski, Marie
(creator) Rowe, Shawn (advisor) |
| Date Issued | 2016-06-06 (iso8601) |
| Note | Graduation date: 2016 |
| Abstract | Microplastics, plastic marine debris less than 5 mm in size, is a threat to the health of our oceans. One important way to reduce microplastics in our oceans is to educate people about the issue, particularly future decision-makers. In this study, a middle school curriculum was developed using current scientific data and evaluated using formative and summative methods. The curriculum includes three lessons based on Ocean Literacy Principles, Next Generation Science Standards, and teaching best practices. The lessons engage students in sources and impacts of microplastics as well as possible solutions. The curriculum has been evaluated using Stufflebeam's Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model. The evaluation included pre and post surveys of students and teachers in Lincoln County School District, a rural, coastal school district in Oregon. The surveys assessed the extent to which attitudes and beliefs about microplastics changed as well as how understanding and knowledge of behaviors changed after participating in the microplastics curriculum. Student work was analyzed to understand any changes in knowledge. Students participating in the curriculum increased their knowledge, awareness, and sense of personal responsibility around the issue of microplastics. |
| Genre | Thesis/Dissertation |
| Topic | Microplastics |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/59211 |
