World Studies Worksheet: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Section 1: Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer.

What is the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" primarily made of?

• Sunken pirate ships
• Microplastics and floating debris
• Natural seaweed
• Driftwood

Section 1: Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer.

Where is the largest garbage patch located?

• Between Florida and New York
• Between California and Hawaii
• Near the North Pole
• In the Mediterranean Sea

Section 1: Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer.

What ocean phenomenon causes the trash to gather in one spot?

• Tsunamis
• Underwater volcanoes
• A gyre (a system of rotating ocean currents)
• High-speed winds

Section 1: Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer.

How long does it take for a plastic water bottle to decompose in the ocean?

• 1 year
• 10 years
• 100 years
• 450 years or more

Section 1: Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer.

What is a "microplastic"?

• A tiny robot used to clean the ocean
• A piece of plastic smaller than 5 millimeters
• A brand of plastic wrap
• A type of ocean fish

Section 2: Short Answer
Answer the following questions in 1-2 complete sentences.

Why can’t we see the Great Pacific Garbage Patch from a satellite or airplane?

Section 2: Short Answer
Answer the following questions in 1-2 complete sentences.

How does plastic from your neighborhood eventually end up in the middle of the ocean?

Section 2: Short Answer
Answer the following questions in 1-2 complete sentences.

Define "Photodegradation." (Hint: Think about what the sun does to plastic).

Section 2: Short Answer
Answer the following questions in 1-2 complete sentences.

Why is it dangerous for sea turtles to find plastic bags in the water?

Section 2: Short Answer
Answer the following questions in 1-2 complete sentences.

Explain how microplastics can end up in the human food chain.