In this introductory lesson, students read an article about Arctic Ocean ecosystems and then play a board game in which they take on the role of researchers.
Objectives
The purpose of this introductory activity is to:
* Identify the main components of complex arctic ecosystem and describe predator/prey relationships between phytoplankton, ice algae, zooplankton, bowhead whales, polar
To learn about the effects of air pollution on Sea Ice. This can be a library/computer lab-based activity.
Procedure
Teacher:
1. Mix up a 3.5% solution of NaCl. Make enough "sea-ice" cubes for each pair of students
2. Make another class set of ice cubes with tap water. Leave the ice in the freezer until after the
Students will engage in a hands-on activity to build their own plankton nets and help them understand how scientists use the nets to study changes in the ocean ecosystem.
Objective
Students will gain an understanding of how scientists use plankton nets and microscopes to study changes in the ocean ecosystem.
This activity was adapted from a TEA activity authored by:
* Sandra Kolb, Education Consultant, Poulsbo, Washington
* Kolene Krysl, Westside Community Schools, Omaha, Nebraska
* Larry Rose, Pleasanton Middle School, Pleasanton, California
* Wendy Slijk, La Costa Canyon High School, San Diego County, California
The original activity can be found at: http://tea.armadaproject.org/activity/kolb/tobesaltyseaiceornottobesaltyseaice_main.html