The EcoBlitz CA with National Geographic is a statewide urban to ocean plastics and species data collection with youth. This project engages educators & classrooms to gather data, shared with National Geographic Explorers in a project to better understand the interconnected nature of the human & natural world.
Overview
The California EcoBlitz is a fun and meaningful opportunity for educators and students to develop and practice the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of an explorer while taking on the role of scientists and connecting with National Geographic Explorers and other classes throughout California.
What is an EcoBlitz
EcoBlitz CA is a project designed to engage classrooms in collaborative scientific research in order to understand and solve problems facing communities. Community-based groups, in this case classrooms, will gather data that will be shared with National Geographic Explorers in a project to better understand the interconnected nature of the human and natural world.
Documenting Plastic and Wildlife
The project starts with a BioBlitz, where the students focus on finding as many species as possible in a specific local area and record their findings with the iNaturalist app. The next component of the project asks the students to take second look at the same environment, but this time focus on discarded plastics and other trash. Students again take on the role of scientists, observing and using a survey to collect data around the trash found in the school yard and/or local community.
The data collected by the students is compiled and students are connected with a National Geographic Explorer, either virtually or in person, to analyze and reflect on the findings..
The data collected by the students is compiled and students connect with a National Geographic Explorer, either virtually or in person, to analyze and reflect on the findings for our area.
Shark Steward’s mission is to restore ocean health by saving sharks from overfishing and the shark fin trade, and protecting critical marine habitat through the establishment of marine protected areas and shark sanctuaries. With your help, we can do it