Unit 6: The Oceans and Why They Matter to All of Us (this unit has 2 core topics)
Watch the video above and do a little extra research to find out about the role the oceans play in the health of the entire planet and the well-being of every human being. Without healthy oceans, we wouldn't be able to breathe, or access important medicines, or eat lots of specific foods and protein sources. Many humans wouldn't be able to support their families or earn an income. The planet wouldn't be able to absorb carbon dioxide. The list goes on and on. The oceans are key to our planetary systems and SDG 14 is all about the oceans and Life Below Water (https://www.globalgoals.org/14-life-below-water).
In this unit, we'll explore the extent to which our oceans are suffering (topic 1) and do a deeper exploration of plastics in the oceans (topic 2). After engaging in topics 1 and 2, you will investigate the ways in which we can all act to save our oceans (and, as a result, humanity and our planet's current ecosystems).
Topic 1: what's the state of the oceans today? (this topic should take approximately 5 hours to complete)
Let's take a look at:
1) rising sea temperatures as a result of climate change and the impact on coral reefs * watch the documentary Chasing Coral. This is available on Netflix. See Mrs. Lav if you don't have a Netflix account. When you've finished watching the documentary, watch the two short videos below about coral reefs, too. Take some notes as you go about the role of the coral reefs in the oceans and for the planet.
2) mangrove forests * watch the third video below about mangrove forests. Take some notes about the role of mangrove forests and why they are also important. Then check out this web site (https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev-environ-101718-033302) and read pages 95-102 of the report. Take some notes about the scope of mangrove degradation worldwide, the causes of this, and how we might rehabilitate mangrove forests.
3) shark conservation (and why sharks are really important in keeping the ocean's balanced and healthy) * watch the video below about shark conservation and why it matters, and explore these web sites (throughout, take notes on what you learn and note which countries are most responsible for driving the finning industry; for more information, watch the 2006 documentary Sharkwater by Rob Stewart): https://www.sharktrust.org/shark-conservation https://www.sharkconservationfund.org/drivers-of-the-crisis/
After viewing these videos and films, and reading the sources provided, please create a media product of your choice to educate people in our community and beyond about what you've learned. This media product shouldn't just summarize what you've synthesized; it should convey a sense of your learning journey and why you care about the oceans.
Topic 2: Plastics in the oceans (this topic should take approximately 4 hours to complete)
Plastic pollution in the ocean is such a huge issue that it deserves its own topic. By 2050, scientists estimate there will be as much plastic in the ocean as fish, by weight. Let's learn about the role of plastics and micro-plastics in the oceans, as well as our own role as consumers and how our personal plastic use is part of the problem.
1. Watch the videos below about plastics in our oceans. Take notes as you watch these videos, thinking about statistics that reveal the scope of the issue.
2. Watch this interview with Andrew Newman, a teacher and researcher who visited Concordia in January 2020: https://www.concordiashanghai.org/citizenc/citizenc-post-detail/~board/ginspiration/post/an-eyewitness-account-of-plastics-in-the-pacific-researcher-environmentalist-visits-concordia
3. Conduct a survey of your friends and family about plastic use. See Mrs. Lav for tips on how to set up a valid survey, and include your own statistics/information in the survey.
4. Once you've completed exploring the resources for topics 1 and 2, please schedule a conversation with me (Mrs. Lav). Let's debrief what you've learned. Bring your notes to the meeting! :)
And now...
This information about plastics in the oceans is very depressing. Are there any ways we can fix this? Check out two examples of how people are making a difference (links and videos below). These are just a start. If you do your own digging, you'll find other examples of changemakers working hard to save our oceans.
Now, think about the survey you did in topic 2. Create a video or podcast in response to this question: "How, and to what extent, do your personal practices with single-use plastic impact our oceans and what do you need to do to help save our precious oceans for future generations?" You will want to reference specific things you've learned throughout this unit, and you may want to include information from unit 4 if that helps support claims related to single-use plastics and what you learned in unit 5 (if you haven't done unit 5 already, don't worry - you have lots to work with here.).