Session 2 June 28

This morning we did a quick game to learn each others names. Then I showed them the obstacle course and let them run through it. This week's theme is the Big Picture and today's topic was plastic pollution. So we discussed what plastic is made of, how it is made and where does it go when we finish using it. To collect each part of the "Life cycle of a water bottle" the explorers needed to complete 12 tasks (Among Us Game style) before the Imposter ejected all the crew. They were very successful at catching the Imposters so they each got a piece of the cycle of a plastic water bottle (from how oil is created over millions of years, to drilling it, refining it, adding chemicals to make little plastic pellets which are melted into molds, then it is transported to the store, you buy it and use it, then where does it go?...either recyled into other plastic products or the trashcan/landfill). We worked together to put them in the right order.

We also talked about microplastics and how they have entered the food chain. We split into krill, fish and sharks or dolphins. The krill ran around to collect "food" into their "stomach bag" but just like many sea creatures they couldn't tell if it was plastic they were accidentally or unknowingly "ingesting". Then the fish tagged the krill and took their bag, then the sharks or dolphins did the same. At the end we opened the bags and I announced that any yellow paper was actually plastic. Some animals had more microplastic than food in their stomachs. Most were lucky and had not eaten very much microplastics.

Then we talked about how people are looking into making new products that are similar to plastic but not so detrimental to the environment. There are artists and scientists experimenting with bioplastics made from algae, seaweed, cornstarch and more. Most bioplastics are made from a plant source and biodegradable. For our own bioplastic art we used gelatin, water, vinegar and glycerin. After mixing the right amounts together in their own bowl, they poured it into a mold or a sheet to cut into shapes later after it dries.

Next we ate lunch and explored the creek. Some explorers went to cool off in the deepest part of the creek (4 feet deep). Others played "Wolves" or hunted for crayfish.

Back at the Main Camp Circle, we started brainstorming characters for our original play to be performed this Friday at 2pm. We also did some archery, obstacle course and played the games Observation and Kookabird.