Classroom on the Sand with Clean Miami Beach, Blue Scholars Initiative, and Lehrman Elementary

Overview

On Sunday, January 22, 2023, The International SeaKeepers Society assisted Blue Scholars Initiative and Clean Miami Beach in facilitating marine science lessons to 5th grade students from Lehrman Elementary during a cleanup event on North Miami Beach, Florida. Students received two lessons, the first discussing the types and origins of marine pollution, and the second exploring the dynamics of coastal watersheds.

Through these activities, the group got to learn about the hydrology of watersheds as well as the anthropogenic threats that watersheds face. These include plastic litter, marine debris, air and oil pollution, nutrient pollutants like fertilizers, and more from terrestrial sources like homes, businesses, and roadways. This pollution is carried by rain and flood water to canals, rivers, and bays, which can build up and lead to algal blooms and fish kills, which have been increasing in frequency and intensity in places like South Florida. Students ended the lesson by discussing how we can reduce different types of pollution through simple choices and actions in our everyday lives and reflecting on the types of pollution they may be creating themselves.