Photo from "gentlemanrook" via Wikimedia Commons
Tumble Media is excited to announce a new educational audio course, OCEAN Kids, designed to empower students to combat microplastic pollution. Developed in partnership with Associated Universities Inc. (AUI) and the Nurdle Patrol, OCEAN Kids provides a hands-on, engaging learning experience for students in grades 3-5.
Nurdles, tiny plastic pellets that are the building blocks of almost all plastic products, are a major source of microplastic pollution, contaminating our oceans, rivers, and communities. As Jace Tunell, founder of the Nurdle Patrol and director of community engagement at Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, notes, “Each year an estimated 445,970 tons of nurdles wash up on beaches and riverbanks and can also be found near storm drains and freight train lines.”
Through funding from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), OCEAN Kids aims to raise awareness about microplastic pollution and inspire young learners to take action. The audio course guides students on a journey of discovery, empathy, and problem-solving, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to make a positive impact.
OCEAN Kids combines storytelling, science experiments, and real-world examples to keep students engaged and motivated. The course aligns with educational standards, ensuring that students develop essential science literacy skills. Additionally, OCEAN Kids will be freely available online, making it accessible to students and educators everywhere.
The course encourages students to explore their local environments and identify microplastic pollution issues in their communities. By immersing students in a journey of discovery, empathy, and action, OCEAN Kids seeks to raise awareness about microplastic pollution and inspire young learners to become environmental stewards.
As Sara Robberson Lentz, a STEM education officer at AUI and co-creator at Tumble Media, states, “AUI and Tumble Media continue to develop new and creative ways to engage young learners. We reach broad and diverse communities through accessible audio content and conduct research to understand the impact this relatively new media creates.”
Click here to read AUI’s press release and learn more about this project.
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