Educators sort trash in a box that is also filled with sand and other natural debris during a workshop.

For Educators

Explore our marine debris resources designed to support your needs and learning for students of all ages.

See Also:

  • Spotlight

    Explore some of our most popular marine debris resources for educators.
    • Curricula
      Beach covered with debris.
      Download an assortment of disciplinary lesson plans, units, and full curricula for Grades 1-12. All curricula and lesson plans are available for download and print!
    • Annual NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest and Calendar
      Artwork of a beach littered with marine debris and a sea turtle and other creatures being harmed by the debris.
      Our annual art contest for grades K-8, open each fall. Winners are selected for a Marine Debris Calendar!
    • At School
      Students around a desk.
      The first step to solving a problem is learning more about it. Learn what you can do to create change at school.
    • Marine Debris Tracker App
      Kids on the beach are picking up debris.
      Interested in citizen science efforts but not sure where to start? This easy-to-use app will help you collect and analyze data about marine debris in your area. The Marine Debris Tracker App is managed by the University of Georgia.
    • Activities
      Fish illustration.
      Download an assortment of puzzles, brain-teasers, and coloring activities for Grades 1-12. All activities are available for download and print!
    • Education at Home
      A student looking at her Climate Action Plan at a youth summit.
      A special collection from the NOAA Office of Education with materials for anyone working with students at home: Distance learning educators, homeschool teachers, and parents.

  • Classroom Resources

    Explore a variety of resources available to use in class or virtually.
    • Garbage Patches
      Oversimplified graphic of "garbage patches" in the North Pacific Ocean.
      What and where are garbage patches, anyway? Find out more about this important marine debris topic.
    • Posters
      Part of a Garbage Patches poster.
      Our poster collection is available to help spread awareness of marine debris and highlight some of the most important issues we’re trying to address through prevention, removal, and research.
    • Regional Emmy® Award-Winning TRASH TALK
      Trash Talk
      View our Regional Emmy® Award-winning TRASH TALK video series. Each short video covers a marine debris topic. Here you’ll also find a TRASH TALK Webinar for Educators featuring fun and informative activities to pair with the videos for all age levels.
    • Turtle Trash Collectors Program Activities Guide and Resources
      People using the stuffed turtle to demonstrate debris ingestion.
      Use these stuffed turtles to educate youth about the impacts of marine debris and encourage behavior changes that would reduce the generation of marine debris in the future.
    • Fact Sheets
      Part of a Microplastics fact sheet.
      Download and print fast information on marine debris, storm preparedness, and other hot topics.
    • Infographics
      Earth's continents.
      Learn more about garbage patches, microplastics, and more with these condensed visual resources.
    • Discover Marine Debris
      underwater photo looking up through marine debris floating on the surface.
      You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Explore some of the most frequently asked questions and topics related to marine debris.
    • Videos
      Marine debris videos.
      Watch videos for information on marine debris and NOAA’s work to address it.

  • Student Voices

    Check out the amazing projects and opportunities featuring students around the country working to keep our sea free of debris.
    • Artwork
      Sea turtle.
      Explore drawings, paintings, sculptures, and more created by students and stewards spreading awareness and seeking change for marine debris.

  • Additional Resources

    Looking for more? Here is a selection of additional resources and opportunities available for educators.
    • Educator Opportunities in NOAA
      People sitting at desk with multiple activities.
      Find information about opportunities available to educators throughout NOAA, including professional development, online resources, and grant opportunities.
    • Photos
      A crab entangled in a yellow net.
      Check out our photo gallery for images of marine debris types, sources, solutions, research, prevention, and impacts.
    • Multimedia
      Plastics in the Ocean Infographic.
      Multimedia resources from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, including photos, videos, posters, infographics, marine debris artwork, and more!
    • Marine Debris Blog
      A person removing debris near a large chick on the beach.
      Here you can learn about all things marine debris! Our blog promotes the work of our dedicated partners, announces new marine debris products and events, and shares information on how you can help.
    • In Your Region
      A map of the regions of the NOAA Marine Debris Program.
      Marine debris impacts every U.S. coastal state and territory. Find state or region-specific information on current marine debris projects and activities.