A Plastic Ocean

Plastic pollution in our oceans is one of the biggest environmental challenges our world faces. Approximately 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year. Thousands of seabirds and sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals are killed each year after ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it.

Our throw-away culture of single use plastics has led to a chronic pollution problem. Did you know that:

  • 700 different species of animals are believed to be severely threatened because of plastic pollution in the ocean.
  • 10% of all dead animals found in beach clean-ups worldwide have been entangled in plastic bags
  • 5 trillion pieces of plastic are estimated to be floating in the worlds seas
  • 90% of seabirds eat plastic rubbish, mistaking it for food

Source: A Plastic Ocean Official Trailer

The facts and figures are pretty shocking. The good news is that people around the world are working together to reduce plastic waste.

High ability students and students with a passion for the environment are encouraged to join this ‘STEAM Ahead’ program to learn more about this vital environmental issue and also what we can do to combat the problem.

This is a 2 day program with one day based at ACMI and the other day based at Ecolinc.  Students will:

  • Learn how media is used to bring people on board with environmental issues
  • Learn how plastics and microplastics are affecting our marine life
  • Engage in workshops to explore the impact of plastics in our environment
  • Participate in a Q & A session with leading experts in the field of pollution and waste management

NOTE: There are limited tickets available.  Only ONE ticket of up to 25 high ability students per school for each event.


Date: Tue 14th – Wed 15th Nov 2023 (2-day program)

or

Wed 15th – Thu 16th Nov 2023 (2-day program)

Time: 10am – 2.30pm each day
Year Level: 5-6
Venue: ACMI, Melbourne & Ecolinc, Bacchus Marsh
Maximum number per school: 20

TO BOOK
Please Email Ecolinc at:
ecolinc@education.vic.gov.au
Or contact Linda Flynn on 53670171




Program
At ACMI
9:30am: Registration: Students arrive, register and morning tea
10:00am: Welcome to ACMI
Film Screening & how films can make a difference in getting environmental messages across
11:15am: Morning tea
11:30am: Workshops
12:30pm: Lunch
1:00pm: Workshops
2:30pm: Conclusion
At Ecolinc
9:30am: Registration: Students arrive, register and morning tea
10:00am: Welcome to Ecolinc
VC with Reef HQ: Turtle Connections
10:40am: Workshop A – What is plastic and what are their properties. Bioplastic and Biomagnification.
11:40pm: Morning tea
12:00pm: Workshop B – What is Microplastic and Nanoplastic?  Beat the Micobead
1:15pm: Lunch
1:35pm: Workshop C – Design a Social Media Campaign
2:30pm: Conclusion and Survey