Earth Day 2020 - Plastic Pollution with Kids

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04-20-2020 05:03 PM
Kylie
by Esri Regular Contributor
Esri Regular Contributor
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Did you know we dump an estimated garbage truck size amount of trash into the ocean every minute?? On Earth Day we give some extra attention to our planet and its health. Are we taking care of it the best we can? And what have we (as humans) done that hurts it? To answer these questions, we need to know how the Earth is.

Using a new app, this Earth Day you (and your kids) can help scientists monitoring our planet through the Earth Challenge 2020 initiative. They can only visit so many places on Earth and need your help to collect data on plastic pollution. They'd like to collect a billion data points! Ready to help?

Who?

You and your kids! This project is "citizen science" which means that everyone can help.

What?

We're looking at plastic pollution -- or where plastic is found that it shouldn't be! Plastic litter is unfortunately not uncommon. I'm sure you've seen an improperly discarded soda bottle or chip bag.

 

How?

Using the Earth Challenge 2020 app you'll take a picture of plastic litter you find and mark where you found it.

  1. Get the Earth Challenge 2020 app:
    Apple App Store buttonGoogle Play button
  2. Join the citizen science initiative or just skip and start collecting data.
  3. Tap Plastic Pollution, read the intro, tap Continue, and set your language.
  4. Read through the instructions by swiping.
  5. Take the app on a walk. When you find plastic pollution, take a picture, mark where you found it on the map, and tell what you did with the trash you saw.
  6. Keep walking and mark the next plastic pollution you see.

Where?

Wherever you are. Plastic pollution is a problem around the globe, and by sharing what you see around your neighborhood you give scientists a look at your community.

Why?

Share data about the world around you (in this case, where you find plastic trash) to help build our understanding of the problem. You can help scientists collect the data they need.

What's next?

Did you share the plastic pollution you found around you? Thanks! If you'd like to learn more about the project from Esri's Chief Scientist Dawn Wright, see her blog on the app.

Interested in air quality citizen science? Check out "Air Quality" in the Earth Challenge 2020 app. It has instructions that take you through collecting that data, too.

If you'd like more activities about marine science, check out the Kids Environmental Lesson Plan (KELP) program for free activities you can do from home.

 

About the Author
Our kids need GIS in their problem-solving toolboxes. I'm working to get digital maps into each K-12 classroom and the hands of each child. A long-time Esri employee, I've previously worked on Esri's mobile apps, focused on documentation and best practices. Out of the office I'm a runner often found on the trails or chasing my children.