EPIC Academy by Ocean Legacy
Free ocean plastic education
Ten online lessons that take you from the problem to the solutions.
Learn how plastic reaches the ocean, what it does there and what works to stop it. Study at your own pace in English, French or Spanish, and earn a Certificate of Completion.
- Ages 14 and up
- 45 to 60 minutes a lesson
- English, French, Spanish
- No time limits
What is EPIC Academy?
EPIC Academy is a free online course about ocean plastic pollution, created by Ocean Legacy, a Canadian non-profit that collects and recycles ocean plastic. Its ten lessons explain the problem, then teach the solutions that work: the circular economy, recycling systems, policy and community action.
It is for anyone aged 14 and up, including students, teachers, community groups and people who work in waste, recycling or policy. Enrollment is free, your progress is saved, and you can come and go as you please. EPIC Academy is an endorsed action of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
- learners enrolled
- 1,100+
- countries reached
- 57+
- free lessons in two levels
- 10
- languages: English, French and Spanish
- 3
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Practical knowledge
Understand the ocean plastic problem in depth, then learn the solutions and innovations already working around the world.
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Learn your way
No deadlines. Study online at your own pace, or use the downloadable classroom materials to teach groups aged 14 and up.
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A certificate to show for it
Each lesson ends with a short quiz. Complete all ten lessons and pass the final exam to earn a digital Certificate of Completion to print and share.
The ocean plastic education curriculum
Two levels, ten lessons. Level 1 explains the problem. Level 2 gives you the tools to act on it. Every lesson takes 45 to 60 minutes and ends with a short quiz.
Before: the problem
1Level 1 · Beginner
The ocean plastic issue
Lessons 101 to 105
An introduction for everyone: what plastic is, how it travels to the ocean, why there is so much of it and the damage it does.
101Introduction to Ocean PlasticsWhat plastic is, the resin codes and how plastics are sorted.
102MicroplasticsMacro, micro and nanoplastics: where they come from and why they matter.
103The Journey of Plastic to the OceanThe pathways plastic takes from land and sea into the ocean.
104Why Is There So Much Plastic?How we ended up making, using and losing so much of it.
105Impacts of Ocean Plastic PollutionWhat ocean plastic does to wildlife, people and ecosystems.
After: the solutions
2Level 2 · Advanced
Take action on ocean plastic
Lessons 206 to 210
The solutions: how ocean plastic differs from land-based plastic, and how recycling systems, behaviour change, policy and advocacy stop it at the source.
206Circular Economy for PlasticKeeping plastic in use and out of the ocean.
207Moving to ActionHow to encourage behaviour change that lasts.
208Setting Up a Plastics Recycling SystemThe steps to build an ocean plastics recycling system in your community.
209Using Policy to Make a DifferencePolicies used around the world, from producer responsibility to deposit return.
210Advocating for ChangeTools and tactics to move decision makers where you live.
The finish: your Certificate of Completion
Complete all ten lessons and pass the final exam with 70% or higher to earn a digital certificate anyone can verify. About the certificate
Earn as you learn
Every lesson you finish earns a badge and moves you up a Sea Dweller level, from Plankton Beginner all the way to Whale Monarch. Collect Kelp Koins, Ocean Credits, Sand Dollars and Wave Hearts along the way.
Plankton BeginnerLevel 1
Penguin ProtectorLevel 4
Sea Turtle RangerLevel 6
Orca DefenderLevel 9
Whale MonarchLevel 10
Teach it in your classroom
EPIC Academy is built for educators too. With a free educator account you can preview every lesson and download the classroom materials to teach your own students, online or off.
- Teacher plans, presentations and supplemental files for each lesson
- Made to work offline, for classrooms with slow internet
- For student groups aged 14 and up, in English, French or Spanish
What learners study, we do
EPIC Academy is the education arm of Ocean Legacy and its four-part EPIC program to end ocean plastic pollution. The lessons draw on more than ten years of hands-on work collecting ocean plastic and turning it back into useful material.
- EEducationFree lessons for learners and classrooms everywhere.
- PPolicyBetter rules that stop plastic pollution at the source.
- IInfrastructureDepots and recycling that give ocean plastic a second life.
- CCleanupShoreline and marine cleanups with coastal communities.
- pounds of ocean plastic collected from depots and cleanups
- 6.7M+
- pounds diverted from landfill
- 6M+
- people employed in the ocean plastic circular economy
- 1,500+
What learners say
Discovering the Ocean Legacy Foundation and EPIC Academy's free Ocean Plastic Course has been transformative, offering invaluable insights into plastic's pervasive impact, circular economy solutions, and more.
Beyond expanding my knowledge, it reignited my sense of purpose, empowering me to actively contribute to environmental preservation through impactful advocacy and lobbying efforts.
Sanjeewa ChulakumaraCircular Economy Practitioner, Chartered Environmentalist and Waste Management ExpertThank you for the [EPIC Academy] introductory presentation which all of us found fascinating and very informative. I knew it was a huge global problem but seeing it presented like that really brought it home.
Duane RoundPresident, Board of Directors, Parksville Community CentreQuestions about EPIC Academy
What is EPIC Academy?
EPIC Academy is a free online ocean plastic education platform created by Ocean Legacy, a Canadian non-profit working to end ocean plastic pollution. It offers ten lessons in two levels, in English, French and Spanish, with a Certificate of Completion at the end.
Is EPIC Academy really free?
Yes. Enrollment and all ten lessons are free. You only need to register for an account. Donations and sponsors keep it free for everyone.
Who is EPIC Academy for?
Anyone aged 14 and up who wants to understand ocean plastic and help solve it: students, teachers, community groups, and people who work in waste management, recycling, design or policy.
How long does it take?
Each lesson takes about 45 to 60 minutes, so the full ten lessons take roughly eight to ten hours. There are no time limits. Your progress is saved, so you can stop and come back whenever you like.
What will I learn?
Level 1 (lessons 101 to 105) covers the ocean plastic issue: the basics of plastic, microplastics, how plastic travels to the ocean, why there is so much of it and its impacts. Level 2 (lessons 206 to 210) covers action: the circular economy for plastic, behaviour change, setting up a plastics recycling system, policy and advocacy.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes. Complete all ten lessons and pass the Certificate Final Exam with a score of 70% or higher to earn a digital Certificate of Completion. You can print it, share it, and anyone can check it with certificate verification.
Can teachers use EPIC Academy in the classroom?
Yes. Teachers can register for a free educator account, preview every lesson and download classroom materials for student groups aged 14 and up. The materials work offline and are available in English, French and Spanish.
What does EPIC stand for?
EPIC stands for Education, Policy, Infrastructure and Cleanup. It is Ocean Legacy's four-part program to end ocean plastic pollution, and EPIC Academy is its education arm.
Start your first lesson today
Welcome back. Keep going.
Create your free account, start with Lesson 101 and work toward your certificate at your own pace.
Pick up where you left off and see how close you are to your next Sea Dweller level.
Help keep it free
EPIC Academy costs learners nothing because donors and sponsors cover the cost. Any amount helps keep the lessons open to learners and classrooms everywhere.
