Alpena students apply chemistry to study of plastic pollution in northern Lake Huron

Alpena High students test their chemistry skills in researching plastic pollution in the Great Lakes, while gathering data, raising awareness, and exploring possible solutions toward this issue of pollution.

October 28, 2013 by Brandon Schroeder, Michigan State University Extension and Melissa Smith, Alpena High School Chemistry Teacher

Marine debris (or floating litter) is a growing issue and concern in our world’s oceans, but also here at home in our freshwater seas—the Great Lakes. Plastic pollution was the focus of a recent research expedition led by Alpena High School ninth grade chemistry students who set out to explore this very issue in northern Lake Huron. 

This opportunity to investigate plastic pollution in the Great Lakes was developed by their teacher, Melissa Smith, during her participation in the 2013 Lake Huron Summer Place-Based Education Institute. Engaging her class in this emerging issue reflects a place-based education opportunity where students are learning about marine debris and microplastics, as well as why they are of concern in the Great Lakes...

...click here to read the full article on MSU Extension News