This project aims to educate teachers and students in Perak, Malaysia about microplastic pollution through a citizen science mapping initiative. It seeks to identify pollution sources, propose mitigation measures, and raise awareness of environmental impacts. The project will involve five selected primary and secondary schools in Perak, all of which have received the Green Flag Award in 2022 and actively participate in the Eco School Programme. Managed by Green Growth Asia Foundation in Malaysia, this program is a leading global initiative for environmental education. The schools’ engagement underscores their dedication to promoting environmental awareness, making them ideal partners for achieving the project’s goals effectively and sustainably.

With the support of the YELL 2023 Seed Grant, University Putra Malaysia will be able to:
1. Enhance awareness of microplastic pollution and its environmental impacts within the school community through capacity-building training for teachers and educational activities on microplastic pollution analysis for students.
2. Facilitate informed decision-making on plastic use and disposal in local ecosystems by utilizing data on microplastic pollution.
3. Establish a basis for ongoing citizen science initiatives in Perak, fostering continued research and efforts to address microplastic pollution.

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Tackling Microplastics Through Education and Action 
By fostering collaboration between educators, students, and environmental advocates, this initiative paves the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future—one community at a time.

Training Teachers to Lead the Way 
On May 23, 2024, at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato Abdul Rahman Yaakub, Bota, 14 educators from five schools participated in a transformative capacity-building session. This training equipped teachers with:

 - Insights into microplastics pollution and its local impact
 - Hands-on skills for analysing water samples
 - A ready-to-use teaching module for integrating microplastics education into science curricula

To measure impact, a pre-session survey assessed teachers’ initial awareness, establishing a baseline to track growth. The session not only provided scientific knowledge but also empowered educators to inspire action among students, ensuring sustained awareness and evidence-based decision-making within their school communities.

Citizen Science in Action
Building on the success of the teacher training, the project engaged 67 students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato Abdul Rahman Yaakub in a citizen science microplastics mapping initiative. Over two phases, students gained a deeper understanding of their role in protecting local ecosystems:

1. Understanding Microplastics: Teachers led engaging lessons, introducing students to the sources and dangers of microplastics pollution.
2. Hands-On Sampling: Students collected 10 water samples from their local areas, working in teams to analyze the presence of microplastics.
3. Data Collection and Analysis: Guided by teachers, students used microscopes to observe microplastics and documented their findings, bridging classroom learning with real-world environmental issues.

This initiative not only raised awareness but also empowered students to become active contributors to their community’s environmental health. The program continues at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Iskandar on July 19, 2024, with plans to expand to three additional schools, creating a ripple effect of environmental consciousness.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is a leading research university in Malaysia, renowned for its contributions to education, research, and community service. Established in 1931 as the School of Agriculture, UPM has evolved into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines including agriculture, forestry, engineering, medicine, social sciences, and the arts.
 

 

UPM is committed to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation through cutting-edge research and collaboration with industry and international partners. The university’s emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship aligns with its mission to address global challenges and improve the quality of life. UPM’s vibrant campus, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse student body create a dynamic environment for learning and personal growth, making it a hub for academic excellence and a catalyst for positive change in Malaysia and beyond.