Predict which category you would expect to see the largest quantity. Discuss which categories you would expect to see more of on the beach. Use a couple of simple experiments to help students form predictions. Have students test samples of marine debris for density and buoyancy. Use a small electric fan to have a debris race.
Many organizations conduct regular litter cleanups.
Sometimes the data are recorded scientifically. This is true of the cleanups that occur on the Goodwin Islands and Catlett Islands of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on the York River in Virginia. Locate the York River on the map of the bay. Check with national facts and figures from the Listing of debris composition. Pie chart of debris composition.