Abstract
Each year the Environmental Studies Center (ESC), which is a part of Mobile County Public Schools, holds special classes for high school Biology and Environmental Science students. This past year, the SEA ICE Program (Student Enrichment Activities in Coastal Ecology) incorporated the study of the impact of microplastics in our local waters. Working in conjunction with the Marine Debris Specialist at Mississippi State University Extension, students collected and analyzed water samples from local waters. Data was collected on the number of microplastics found and reported to an online database. Students were able to see firsthand how plastics remain in the aquatic environment and the impact they have on the ecosystem. The program was designed to bring awareness of how the global dependence of plastics negatively affects the environment and to encourage students to make better choices.
