Categorize different types of debris. Determine how a material can influence what becomes marine debris. Any object foreign to the marine ecosystem can be considered marine debris but the term is usually reserved for human-created trash. Two major factors that effect if an item will enter the marine environment are buoyancy and the ability to be blown by the wind. As a rule of thumb, if the item can fly and float it is more likely to enter the marine environment and end up on our beaches.
Plastics readily fly and float, and decompose very slowly.
Not surprisingly, plastics are one of the most frequently collected type of marine debris. A variety of marine debris items should be collected from local beaches. Test each of the items for buoyancy in the pan. Record the results. Discuss the impact humans have on their surrounding environment.