Catch It Before the Current Does!

Catch It Before the Current Does!

Catch It Before the Current Does!

Grade Range

2–5

🌊 Stop trash in its tracks! Engineer a litter-trapping device that lets water flow while keeping plastic and other debris out of rivers, streams, and oceans. Can you help protect our planetβ€”one splash at a time?

🌊 Stop trash in its tracks! Engineer a litter-trapping device that lets water flow while keeping plastic and other debris out of rivers, streams, and oceans. Can you help protect our planetβ€”one splash at a time?

🌊 Stop trash in its tracks! Engineer a litter-trapping device that lets water flow while keeping plastic and other debris out of rivers, streams, and oceans. Can you help protect our planetβ€”one splash at a time?

Water Flow. Filtration. Environmental Engineering.

Water Flow. Filtration. Environmental Engineering.

Water Flow. Filtration. Environmental Engineering.

Future Generations. Initiative. Stewardship.

Future Generations. Initiative. Stewardship.

Future Generations. Initiative. Stewardship.

🌊 Ready to outsmart litter before it reaches the ocean?

Become an environmental engineer as you investigate how trash travels through waterways and discover creative ways to stop it before it harms wildlife. Inspired by the innovative work of Boyan Slat and the story of I Can Save the Ocean!, students will engineer a model litter-trapping device that lets water flow while capturing solid waste.

With engaging investigations, hands-on engineering, colorful printables, and meaningful discussions, this STEM with Soul lesson encourages Future Generations, Initiative, and Stewardship while helping learners see how even small actions can create big waves of positive change.

Who knew saving the ocean could begin with a simple engineering idea? Students will discover that thoughtful designs today can help create cleaner waterways and healthier habitats for tomorrow.

πŸ’š Heart of the Lesson: I Can Save the Ocean! by Alison Inches. This book is not included and must be borrowed from your public library or purchased separately. If necessary, your local librarian will be happy to help you find compatible alternatives and additional related resources.

Required Book:

Required Book:

I Can Save the Ocean!

I Can Save the Ocean!

by

Alison Inches

Recommended Book:

Recommended Book:

The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics by Susan Hood

The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics by Susan Hood

NGSS Core domain:

Earth and Space

NGSS Expectations:

5-ESS3-1; 3-5-ETS1-1, -2, -3

CCSS:

3.MD.A.2; 3.MD.B.4; 4.MD.A.2; 5.MD.B.2; RI.3.3; W.3.2; SL.3.4

TEKS:

SCI 3.1(B); SCI 3.1(E); SCI 3.1(G); SCI 3.2(D); SCI 3.3(A); SCI 2.11(C)

Let's Connect


Debbie@STEMwithSoul.com

Β© 2026 STEM with Soul. All rights reserved.

Let's Connect


Debbie@STEMwithSoul.com

Β© 2026 STEM with Soul. All rights reserved.