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co_present FOR TEACHERS & GROUP LEADERS

LEAD YOUR CLASS ON A
REAL SCIENTIFIC EXPEDITION

Free materials, simple protocol, real impact. Register your group in 3 minutes.

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Cost Free of charge
Target Group Ages 10–16
Reach 14 Countries
Authority EU Research

Why Join?

We provide everything you need to transform a school outing into a valuable contribution to European marine research.

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100% FREE

All materials and shipping costs are fully covered by European Union funding.

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CURRICULUM ALIGNED

Content designed to fit biology, chemistry, and geography learning objectives.

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REAL SCIENCE

Your group's data is directly used by scientists to map plastic pollution in Europe.

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EASY TO RUN

Simple step-by-step protocols designed for groups with no prior scientific experience.

YOUR FREE MISSION KIT

Shipped directly to your school, containing everything needed for a group of up to 30 students.

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Action Booklet

Student guides for field research.

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Teaching Materials

Lesson plans and prep documents.

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Sampling Equipment

Nets, containers, and tools.

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Data Sheets

Official recording templates.

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Explorer Certificate

Official EU recognition for every student who participates.

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Order Your Kit

HOW TO GET STARTED

1

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

Select your location to be connected with your local national coordinator.

2

FILL IN YOUR DETAILS

Tell us about your school and group size so we can prepare your kit.

3

RECEIVE YOUR KIT

Your sampling mission kit arrives by mail. You are ready to start!

Registration Form

Register your interest and we will reach out to confirm your slot in the upcoming campaign.

CAMPAIGN PERIODS 2026

Plan your school year with our sampling windows.

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SPRING

1 May – 30 June

Ideal for year-end projects and outdoor science excursions in the warmer months.

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AUTUMN

15 Sept – 15 Nov

A great way to kick off the new academic year with hands-on citizen science.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Our protocols are designed for educators of all backgrounds. The kit contains step-by-step instructions that make lead researchers out of anyone.
We recommend a full school morning (approx. 4 hours) for the fieldwork, plus prep time in class before and after.
Yes! Scout leaders, youth club organizers, and environmental NGO leads are all welcome to register.
You can still use our materials! While we might not be able to ship a physical kit, all materials are available for free download.
Absolutely. Many schools participate annually to track changes in their local waterways over time.
We recommend registering at least 4 weeks before your intended sampling date to ensure kit delivery.
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"The Plastic Pirates project transformed my students' perspective on pollution. Seeing them analyze real samples and realizing their data matters for EU policy was incredibly empowering."
Dr. Maria Schneider

Biology Teacher, Munich International School

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READY TO LEAD YOUR EXPEDITION?

Register Your Group Now Download materials first download