Common Seas has worked with partners to create a set of universal Ocean Plastics Learning Objectives, utilising the frameworks developed by UNESCO and those working for Ocean Literacy. These learning objectives are listed below and are subscribed to by Common Seas Ocean Plastics Academy partners. We hope that these overarching learning objectives are useful to other individuals and organisations planning their own education programming to help a plastic waste free future.

Cognitive Learning Objectives

1. The learner understands the fundamental properties of plastics, including the use of additives.
2. The learner understands the scope and geographical scale of plastic use and plastic pollution historically as well as current predictions.
3. The learner understands the pathways through which plastics enter the ocean and marine life.
4. The learner understands the social, environmental and economic cost of plastics across its entire life cycle.
5. The learner can identify and evaluate ways to improve the sustainability of plastics at different stages of the product life cycle. [1]

Socio-emotional Learning Objectives

1. The learner can reflect on their own use of plastics, and how this use might affect the marine environment.
2. The learner actively seeks alternative designs, behaviours and practices that reduce their contribution to plastic pollution.
3. The learner can communicate the societal and environmental impacts of plastic use, referring to the scientific evidence base.
4. The learner is able to influence the behaviours and practices of others in their community in terms of plastic use and management.
5. The learner can collaborate at a range of scales to campaign for the reduction of plastic pollution.

Behavioural Learning Objectives

1. The learner is able to access and improve waste management systems in their local area.
2. The learner can plan and implement campaigns that lead to a reduction in plastic pollution at a range of scales.
3. The learner is able to evaluate media narratives about plastic pollution and present a balanced judgement to their peers.
4. The learner is able to make informed decisions as a consumer to reduce plastic pollution.
5. The learner is able to research different approaches to design, including circularity and biomimicry.

[1] Including improved design, alternative materials, waste management and individual behaviour.