A drawing of a large, white plastic bag swallowing a fish, which is swallowing a smaller fish, which is swallowing a tiny fish.

Jellyfish Jars

Put some of your old plastic bags to use and help students see firsthand why sea turtles and other animals often mistake plastic single-use bags in the ocean for food. This easy-to-make Jellyfish Jar is a strong visual and can stimulate great discussion on reducing waste!

Steps: 

  1. Fill a transparent jar with water (containers with screw-on lids work best).
  2. Place a plastic bag in the jar, trimming the bag as needed (produce bags work best).
  3. Carefully manipulate the bag to eliminate any air bubbles.
  4. Close the lid tightly and admire your plastic bag jellyfish! 
A hand holding a jar with a plastic bag jellyfish, next to a picture of real jellyfish.
 

For citation purposes, unless otherwise noted, this article was authored by the NOAA Marine Debris Program.

Last updated Tue, 08/06/2024 - 01:19 pm EDT