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
In part one of this two-part lesson students work in pairs to explore the effects of salinity on ocean stratiļ¬cation using a simple plastic shoebox-sized container in which they create a mini-ocean environment. Students will apply what they learn in the lab setting along with information gained in several online articles to a basic understanding of the Global Conveyor
PolarTREC teacher Nell Herrmann writes a compelling article for Town and Gown, the local newspaper in her home town of State College, PA. Nell reports on her adventures with a team of scientists in Antarctica and the profound way in which her journey has influenced her both personally and professionally. Note: The online article starts on p. 50 of the
Listen in to this radio interview on National Public Radio's program, "All Things Considered" with PolarTREC teacher Nell Herrmann. Nell describes her excitement about traveling to Antarctica and her role in a study of Antarctic seafloor organisms and their response to changes in water acidification and temperature. Nell outlines her plans for sharing the research team's findings with her students
Article about PolarTREC teacher Nell Herrmann's expedition to Antarctica written by her former student. The article was published in The Lion's Digest, her school's newspaper in State College, Pennsylvania.