Litter, plastic, and marine debris is an identified threat to marine environments, with an estimated 4 – 12 million tonnes of litter entering the world’s oceans annually. Through our world-leading marine mammal research, MMF witnesses the direct impact of plastics on the marine mammals inhabiting Victoria’s coastline, including the Critically Endangered Burrunan dolphin. With an estimated 80% of marine debris originating from land, local communities are crucial in the conservation and protection of marine environments!

Designed specifically for Year 5 and 6 students, the Marine Litter Project Inquiry Unit introduces students to Victoria’s incredible marine mammal diversity, highlights the impact of litter on marine environments, and tasks them with undertaking sustainable action to make a difference in their own classrooms and school communities.

Across this multi-disciplinary inquiry unit, students will engage with MMF through a series of incursions, and undertake a range of activities spanning the Science, Mathematics, Literature, Design, and Arts Curriculum, to develop not only a strong understanding of the impact of litter and marine debris on marine environments, but the role they play as individuals, a school, and community in the conservation of local environments, now and into the future.

The Marine Litter Project Inquiry Unit inspires appreciation and empowers the next generation of leaders, conservationists and change makers to know what we do today, creates a better tomorrow!

*This program is suited for Level 5-6

*This program is suitable for delivery as:

Classroom incursion
Online webinar
Excursion activity

At the completion of the inquiry unit, students will:

Develop a strong understanding of marine environments and the marine mammals who inhabit them,
Understand the impact of litter, plastic and marine debris in local and marine environments,
Develop the skills to collect, interpret and respond to scientific data,
Express and communicate thoughts and points of view on a range of issues which affect them and their environment,
Understand effective methods to share information and raise awareness of environmental issues, and mitigate the use and impact of litter and plastic,
Use critical and creative thinking to develop solutions to issues.

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Download Program PDF

MMF’s Marine Litter Project Inquiry Unit is series of programs which can be undertaken as in-person and online MMF-led incursions, or a teacher-led unit of inquiry. The program will include 3 dedicated MMF incursion sessions, either online or in-person, and lesson plan resources for 5 activities which span the different curriculum areas. It is recommended that the Marine Litter Project Inquiry Unit is undertaken across an entire term.

MMF will work with the teacher and school to develop a delivery plan to achieve the learning needs of the students.

Additional excursion activities can be included with this program at extra cost.

All incursion materials and resources, and lesson plan teacher notes and PowerPoint presentation files will be provided by MMF for completion of the inquiry unit. Through completion of Inquiry Unit activities, formative and summative assessment will be completed, with an assessment rubric provided.

For further information, please see the MMF Policies page.