Taking a Closer Look at Pollution
October 7, 2023
When Shaw Institute’s Lead Scientist, Charles Rolsky, approached Troop 823 Leader, Michelle Perry, with a proposition of working together on a beach pollution project after buying a few boxes of Girl Scout Cookies last season—it was an obvious yes! Having worked with the Shaw Institute several times in the past during Journey badges and troop outings, this was the perfect opportunity to learn more about beach cleanliness and scientific analysis.
“Being located on the coast, our troop has always participated in beach cleanups. Many families in our community rely on healthy waterways for recreation and livelihood,” says Michelle.
Thirteen Girl Scouts from the multi-level troop participated in a research activity in October, analyzing and identifying the many different types of plastic pollutions in water.
“They analyzed their own beach collections based on texture, color, and size. Then they took a closer look under dissecting microscopes and used a spectrometer to determine the kind of plastic they had collected,” says Michelle.
According to Michelle, a unanimous favorite part of the Shaw Institute visit, was connecting the harmful issue of beach trash, with the aquatic animals they’ve come to learn more about and appreciate in their community.
“I think the biggest takeaway for the girls was that there are lots of different plastic that can harm shore wildlife when eaten and that it can be difficult for those animals to get enough food,” says Michelle.
At the end of October, Brownies and Cadettes from Troop 823 will return to the Shaw Institute to expand their understanding on the topic by learning how water samples are gathered and processed for bacterial analysis.
