The creation of this curriculum has been

funded in part through a N.O.A.A. Outreach and Education Grant.

WashedAshore.org541-329-0317

325 2nd St. SE, Bandon, Oregon 97411

Integrated Arts Marine Debris Curriculum

Introduction

Marine debris is currently one of the greatest threats to global oceans. There is no longer a marine environment untouched by our trash.

If we take the current state and trends of marine debris as the inevitable future reality, it’s easy to lose

hope of finding a solution. But engaging in the language of the arts enables us to move beyond the

world as we see it. The arts engage the creative, imaginative, and intuitive parts of brain that must be

used to find innovative solutions that will change the future. Through combining science and art, we

can recreate the world.

The Washed Ashore Project uses community art created from marine debris with the help of

thousands of volunteers to raise awareness about plastic pollution in order to spark changes in the

consumer habits that have generated this global issue. With NOAA support, Washed Ashore has

worked to create a curriculum based on the goals of our project. The lessons bring together art and

science to help students understand the plastic pollution issue and communicate about it using the

language of the arts.

We would like to thank Harbor Lights Middle School in Bandon, Oregon for helping us to pilot

these lessons and also the following conferences, zoos, and aquariums for hosting curriculum

workshops that enabled us to create classroom ready lessons and activities:

• The Coastal Learning Symposium

• The State of the Coast Conference

• The Sharing the Coast Conference

• Sea World San Antonio

• Sea World Orlando

• Brevard Zoo

• Houston Zoo

• Georgia Aquarium

• Smithsonian National Zoological Park

• Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Although many people came together to make

the creation of this curriculum possible through their input,

advice, and edits, the core group responsible for

creation are as follows:

Written and Designed by:

Patrick Chandler and Angela Haseltine Pozzi

Graphic Design:HeadsUp

Marketing & Promotion

The lesson format was inspired by

Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center.