Microplastics Cleanup Challenge – Water Pollution Lab

Bring one of today’s most important environmental issues to life with this engaging Microplastics Cleanup Challenge! In this hands-on Environmental Science lab, students investigate why microplastics are so difficult to remove from water while evaluating different cleanup technologies through a simple classroom model.

Using glitter to represent microplastics, students test different cleanup methods, collect and compare class data, analyze a real-world infographic, complete a Claim, Evidence, & Reasoning (CER) activity, and develop an engineering recommendation based on their findings. Along the way, they’ll discover why preventing microplastic pollution is often more effective than trying to remove it after it enters our waterways.

What’s Included?

• Complete student investigation
• Comprehensive teacher guide
• Teacher demonstration
• Student data tables
• Class results comparison
• Analysis questions
• Real-World Connections reading
• Full-color infographic
• CER activity
• Engineering Recommendation Report

Perfect For

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Health
• Biology
• Earth Science
• Human Impact Units
• Water Pollution
• STEM & Engineering
• Grades 7–10

Students Will

• Investigate how microplastics spread through water
• Evaluate different microplastic cleanup technologies
• Compare engineering solutions using class data
• Analyze real-world sources of microplastic pollution
• Explain why preventing pollution is often more effective than cleanup
• Construct evidence-based scientific explanations using CER
• Make engineering recommendations supported by evidence

Why Teachers Love It

• Hands-on and highly engaging
• Uses inexpensive classroom materials
• Real-world environmental connections
• Builds critical thinking and CER writing skills
• Print-and-teach with minimal prep
• Designed for a single 45-minute class period

Materials Needed

• Water
• Fine glitter
• Clear plastic cups or containers
• Spoon
• Coffee filter
• Sponge
• Fine mesh strainer
• Stir sticks
• Timer

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re looking for a meaningful microplastics activity that goes beyond a traditional worksheet, this investigation gives students the opportunity to think like environmental engineers. They’ll test solutions, analyze evidence, and discover that protecting our waterways starts with preventing pollution before it happens.

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