ACTIVITY MATERIALS

WHAT WE ARE DOING

WHY WE ARE DOING IT

Looking at precedent projects that are working in the area of ocean pollution prevention and cleanup.

To understand and draw inspiration from existing systems and designs

1st

2nd

3rd

Precedents Research (10 min)

Look at the precedents in the "Resources tab". Choose one that is especially interesting to you.

Research (10 min)

Research more about your chosen precedent. Find out how it works, who it's for, and what technologies or mechanisms it uses. Sketch the precedent and include any notes about it. Create one slide to add all your answers and the sketches and images you have. Save the slide and post it on the platform

Class Share (20 min)

Share your slide to the class.

ACTIVITY EXAMPLE

Eighty percent of ocean trash enters the ocean through rivers. Intercepting that trash before it reaches the ocean can significantly reduce pollution.

In Baltimore, Maryland, the “Mr. Trash Wheel” system addresses this issue by capturing plastic and other debris from a local river before it enters the harbor. Floating containment booms funnel trash toward the device’s intake, where a rake lifts the debris onto a conveyor belt.

The conveyor, powered by solar panels and the river’s current, deposits the waste into dumpsters for proper disposal.

This system is designed for municipalities and organizations seeking to prevent waterway pollution and protect marine ecosystems. It uses a combination of simple mechanical components and renewable energy to provide an efficient, low-impact method of intercepting trash.