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Module 2: Lesson 3

FIU scientists are trying to determine just how much marine debris can be found in mangrove forests, where it might come from, and what kinds are being found. In this lesson, students play a board game that will take them through a typical day in the field as a scientist studying marine debris. They will analyze and interpret the information within datasets provided by FIU scientists who study this issue.

Lesson Plan

Essential Questions: What methods are used to study marine debris, and how do these methods pursue a scientific explanation? How can you be creative when designing an experiment and creating explanations that fit evidence?


  • Explain and distinguish an experiment and other types of scientific investigation
  • Describe and analyze the methods used in this study in the pursuit of a scientific explanation
  • Use creativity when sharing explanations that fit evidence
  • Predict the impact of individuals on environmental systems and examine how human lifestyles affect sustainability

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