First Grade Tackles Water Cleanup Project

Parker 1st graders recently dove into an inspiring, hands-on “Water Cleanup Project” that combines environmental stewardship with technology and maker skill development.

After learning about the staggering 1.8 trillion pieces of trash currently polluting our oceans, students spent several weeks researching the impact of plastic on marine life. They explored the ways human-made waste enters our waterways and learned how organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are using innovation to tackle this global crisis. This foundational research helped students develop a deep sense of empathy for the planet and a drive to find creative solutions.

A highlight of this project was 1st graders’ exploration of artificial intelligence and machine learning. To understand how modern technology can assist in environmental efforts, students became the "teachers" by training their own AI models. They collected and uploaded more than 500 images of trash and ocean animals to teach a computer how to distinguish between the two. Through this process, they gained a foundational understanding of how AI learns from data and realized the importance of high-quality information in technology. It was a powerful moment for the children to see how to use AI cameras to track pollution and advocate for cleaner oceans.

The project culminated in the TIDES Garage makerspace, where students transitioned from researchers to engineers. Working in collaborative teams, they followed the design thinking process to sketch blueprints and build physical prototypes of water-cleaning machines. Using a variety of materials—including cardboard, duct tape and littleBits electronic circuits—each group brought their unique vision to life. We invite you to visit our project website to see photos and videos of these young innovators explaining their inventions and demonstrating how their prototypes work to keep our water systems safe and clean.

Check out all of their great work here.