Environmental Science

Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam and the Science of Ocean Motion

By Loree Griffin Burns

Age Level: 9-12

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Part of Houghton Mifflin's excellent Scientists in the Field series Tracking Trash introduces Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer, a "trash tracker", who studies where trash goes when it is "spilled" in the ocean, to determine the direction of ocean currents.

Using wonderful color photographs, the book shows the indestructibility of plastic and the destructive nature of discarded fishing nets, and awakens young readers to pollution and other environmental issues.

Possible discussion questions

• Some trash has been floating in the ocean for more than ten years, including the sneakers which spilled in 1990. What does this tell you about these items and what happens to them when you "throw them away"?
• Think of the many plastic things you use each day. What other materials or items could you use instead?
• The picture on page 45 shows a plastic laundry basket entangled in a coral reef in Hawaii. How might the basket have ended up there?
• Visit Dr. Ebbesmeyer's website at and explore further one of the spills that interests you.

Additional books

Going Going

By Naomi Shihab Nye

Age Level: 12-14

A plot about the importance of “shopping locally”, this book also stresses the importance of getting involved.

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It's Your World: If You Don't Like It, Change It

By Mikki Halpin

Age Level: 0-3

For high school age, a how-to-do-it guide for budding activists.

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