Introduction
Explore the global issue of plastic pollution in the ocean and learn how to code an interactive, educational app. Students will research environmental facts, write with purpose, and code animations and interactive features to raise awareness about how plastic affects marine life—and what we can do to help. This lesson integrates literacy, science, and basic computer science principles.
Objectives
Students will:
- Research the causes and effects of plastic pollution
- Write structured explanations using evidence and examples
- Code an interactive app with animations and a drag-and-drop clean up game.
- Apply storytelling and user interaction to promote environmental solutions
Code Stories and Games with Elementari
Elementari empowers students to explore real-world environmental issues—like ocean pollution—through storytelling and visual coding. In this coding lesson, kids combine their research and writing with animations, and interactive drag-and-drop activities to build an engaging educational app. By coding buttons, sequences, and loops, students not only bring their ideas to life but also strengthen their understanding of cause and effect, digital design, and audience engagement. The process supports Common Core literacy and 21st-century skills in a creative and accessible way.
New to Elementari? Click on the orange Start button to jump right into the lesson for free. Check out our Getting Started Guide for an overview of how Elementari works with your class. Get started for free for up to 35 student accounts.
Lesson Resources
Coding Concepts Covered
Functions in Sequence Function in Parallel Duration Loop Relative Position User NavigationStudent Instructions
Use the Protecting Our Oceans Organizer to collect your ideas. Explore at least three trusted sources (videos or articles), then use your research to complete each section of your writing plan: introduction, problem, solution, and interactive cleanup.
View the Example Project.
Add a title to your page and a speech bubble with a one-sentence hook to grab attention.
Add a button and code it to go to the next page when clicked.
What is plastic pollution?
Give 2 effects on marine life.
How long does plastic last?
What are 3 actions people can take to reduce plastic waste?
Name 1 group, law, or technology making a difference:
Make your app interactive! Add trash items and a recycling bin. Use the On Drag Over coding block so users can clean up the ocean.
Use move and loop blocks to animate ocean objects like a fish. Sequence the animation (move left → move right) and use loops to repeat it smoothly.
Test your app to make sure everything works! Ready to level up your project? Try these:
- Use the Flip in your animation sequence to flip your object.
- Add a background music
- Code more interactive or animated elements
- Add a bonus slide of more information
Interactive Project Example for Students
Play through this lesson's example project created on Elementari. Use this example to guide and motivate your students.
Standards
CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards (2017)
Algorithms & Programming
2-AP-10 - Use flowcharts and/or pseudocode to address complex problems as algorithms.
2-AP-13 - Decompose problems and subproblems into parts to facilitate the design, implementation, and review of programs.
2-AP-17 - Systematically test and refine programs using a range of test cases.
ISTE Student Standards
Creative Communicator
6b - Students create original works or responsibly repurpose or remix digital resources into new creations.
6d - Students publish or present content that customizes the message and medium for their intended audiences.
6c - Students communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively by creating or using a variety of digital objects such as visualizations, models or simulations.
Computational Thinker
5a - Students formulate problem definitions suited for technology-assisted methods such as data analysis, abstract models and algorithmic thinking in exploring and finding solutions.
Innovative Designer
4a - Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems.
4d - Students exhibit a tolerance for ambiguity, perseverance and the capacity to work with open-ended problems.
4c - Students develop, test and refine prototypes as part of a cyclical design process.
4b - Students select and use digital tools to plan and manage a design process that considers design constraints and calculated risks.
AASL Standards
Inquire
I.A.2 - Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning
I.B.3 - Generating products that illustrate learning.
I.C.4 - Sharing products with an authentic audience.