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Flush

Elementary, Middle

Description

An attack on the "Coral Queen" has put Noah's father in jail and it is now left to Noah to prove that this floating casino has been dumping raw sewage into the waters off the Florida Keys.  Determined to uncover the truth, he enlists the aid of a peculiar group of allies in a dangerous plot to confirm the pollution is poisoning the nesting beach of Leatherback Turtles.  As they undertake their mission, Noah is suddenly confronted with the reality that his recklessness could doom the entire operation and place lives at risk.  Will the dirty secrets of the "Coral Queen" be exposed and in a shocking twist, who is the mysterious stranger that rescues Noah?  This rollicking tale of a family that stands up for what they believe in shows students that protecting the environment is tough, but always worth it when justice prevails.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This book complements units exploring themes related to endangered species, sustainability of ecosystems and threats to marine environments.  Students could research the biology of the critically endangered Leatherback Turtle and investigate local issues that impact populations such as incidental catches in fishing gear.  Sea trash like plastic bags also pose a major threat to turtles and could provide a topic for student-led action projects such as an information campaign to promote reusable bags or a community based beach clean-up.

Flush could also be used to engage older students in a discussion about environmental activism.  The fictional story contains some risky actions thus a class could identify more proactive methods for increasing awareness.  Students could also examine current protection mechanisms for reducing marine pollution and identify areas where stronger legislation is needed.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Diversity of Living Things
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      • Science
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        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Water Systems on Earth
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Wayfinding: Making sense of your world: Learning and Living Sustainably
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7 Earth Surface Processes: Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Diversity of Life
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interaction of Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Water Systems on Earth's Surface
  • Northwest Territories
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
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        • Life Systems: Diversity of Living Things
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
  • Nova Scotia
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Diversity of Life
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      • Science
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        • Science 7: Environmental Action
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      • Science
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        • Science 8: Climate Change
  • Nunavut
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
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        • Life Systems: Diversity of Living Things
    • Grade 7
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions and Ecosystems
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
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        • Diversity of Life
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Interactions Within Ecosystems
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
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    • Grade 6
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Life Science: Diversity of Living Things
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 7: Life Science: Interactions within Ecosystems
    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 8: Water Systems on Earth

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • General Guide to Taking Action

Ecosystems (2)

  • Endangered Species
  • Wildlife Protection

Water (2)

  • Marine Environments
  • Water Quality