Science·Ocean Life·conceptual
Ocean Pollution & Harm
Identify ways humans harm the ocean — plastic pollution, overfishing, oil spills, and ocean acidification from carbon dioxide — and understand that most ocean pollution comes from land-based activities, not just ships
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is diving into ocean science — learning about marine ecosystems, animal migrations, how human activities affect the ocean, and the vital role oceans play in Earth's climate.
Evidence of understanding
- Name at least three ways humans harm the ocean
- Explain that most ocean pollution originates on land, not from ships
- Describe how plastic pollution or overfishing specifically harms marine animals
Assessment prompt
If Ocean Pollution & Harm saw plastic washed up on a beach, could they explain where it came from, how it harms sea life, and name other ways humans damage the ocean like overfishing and pollution from factories?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.