The Impact of This Project

This season’s project helped us realize that even if we don't live by the ocean, we can still make a difference. The Mississippi River and Missouri River both flow into the Gulf of Mexico, which means things we do at home can end up affecting the ocean. These rivers carry pollution, including tiny plastic pieces called microplastics, all the way to the sea.

Even though we might live far from the beach, there are things we can do to stop microplastics from getting into the ocean. Below, you can get to know us and learn about some of the things we did in our daily lives.

Get to know us!

We are the Lego Legendz, a non-profit First Lego League robotics team made up of students aged 9 to 12. Our team is passionate about using technology and science to make a real difference in our community and inspire others to do the same! We believe that through STEM, we can create positive change in the world around us.

Team Members

Yusuf

Now I avoid single-use plastic plates and utensils.

Fun fact: microplastics are 1 nanometer to 3 millimeters small.

Asiya I

I cut up can bottle plastic holders so they dont harm marine life.

Fun Fact: During this process I learned that mussles naturally filter microplastics.

Fatima

I always take my water bottle so I can avoid plastic water bottles.

Fun Fact: Microplastics affects scientists data.

Taariq

I joined a clean up in my neighborhood.

Fun fact: Microplastics affect the behavior of wild life.

Laith

I use less plastic by reusing the plastic bags we have.

Fun Fact: Microplastics can be a lot of different sizes.

Asiya M

Now I encourage people to use non-plastic utensils.

Fun fact: Microplastics last in the ocean for about 100-1000 years.

Annhara

Instead of using plastic water bottles to drink, I started using reusable water bottles.

Fun fact: You would save 1460 plastic bottles per year by using a reusable water bottle.

Safiyyah

I started picking up trash from the park.

Fun Fact: About 900 million plastic toys are made each year.

First, Peanut the Turtle Inspired us to think about ocean Plastic.

We went on a field trip to Powder Valley where we learned about Peanut. Peanut is a red-eared slider turtle whose shell, over time, changed into the shape of a peanut because of a plastic six-pack ring. It was really sad to hear how plastic can harm marine animals. This showed us the effect of plastics on the environment and inspired us to dig deeper.

So why are we talking about microplastics? Well, that plastic ring could've affected Peanut over time as it started to break down. This can happen when the sun shines brightly on a big plastic or when the temperature changes from hot to cold. Once these plastics become small, they are harder to get rid of than big plastics. If they get eaten, they can affect the inside of an ocean animal, even how the animal acts. No one really knows how bad microplastics are for ocean animals, and we may not know for a while.

"Peanut"

Big Plastic

Small (Micro) Plastic

Next, as a Team We:

As a team, we did a lot to help protect the ocean from microplastics and reduce pollution! First, we made to a survey to see how much people in our community knew about microplastics. Over 100 people took the survey! We learned that many people did not know what microplastics were. This gave us an idea that we could raise awareness.

Next, we wrote emails to our school’s administration, asking them to use biodegradable plates instead of styrofoam. This would help reduce the amount of plastic waste in our school.

Then, we went to library events where we met authors who wrote books about the ocean. It was fun and interesting to learn more about how important it is to protect the ocean.

Lastly, we organized a cleanup in our school parking lot to pick up trash and keep it from going into the environment, especially our local streams. We also created this website to teach kids about microplastics and made games for kids. All of these things showed us that even small actions, like sending emails or picking up litter, can make a big difference for the planet!

What YOU Can Do:

How can you make a difference close to home even if you don't live by the ocean? The Mississippi River and Missouri River both spill into the Gulf of Mexico. Which means we can affect ocean microplastics close to home.

Here are some things you could do to stop microplastics from going into the ocean.

• Use reusable grocery bags instead of plastic ones

• Use reusable water bottles instead of disposable ones

• Don’t use plastic forks, spoons or plates- When having a party use biodegradable ones instead

• Bring your own reusable utensils to gatherings with plastic utensils

• Don’t use plastic straws

• Use reusable containers instead of plastic bags

• Use natural clothing such as cotton, silk, wool, or bamboo instead of synthetic clothing

• Eat unpackaged foods such as fruit and vegetables

• Eat your ice cream in a cone instead of with a plastic cup and spoon

Thank you to our sponsors!

IFGSTL

As a rookie team, we face significant costs, including purchasing robots, setting up our lab, and registering for competitions. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.