Algal Blooms
Students describe actions that can be taken to reduce the impact of harmful algal blooms by calculating the rate of algal growth to predict how oxygen levels will decrease after a given time and determine the best algal species to use for biofuel.
Overview
Students investigate harmful algal blooms, beginning with a map of the 2020 Gulf of Mexico dead zone, two videos, a pre-assessment, and an article, then revising their initial ideas about its causes. They identify algae using nutrition-fact cards, an identification game, and a dichotomous key. Students grow Nannochloropsis at different algae and nutrient levels, tracking density daily for a week with a secchi stick and examining samples under a microscope. They then design a two-week experiment for a biofuel prompt, report results in a lab report and digital poster, and finish by using a data table to judge which of three blooms is most and least harmful.
Lesson Objectives
- Describe actions that can be taken to reduce the impact of harmful algal blooms by calculating the rate of algal growth to predict how oxygen levels will decrease after a given time and determine the best algal species to use for biofuel.
Standards
NGSS · 6
- HS-LS2-5Develop a model to illustrate the role of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in the cycling of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.
- HS-LS2-7Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.*
- HS-ESS3-4Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.*
- HS-ESS3-5Analyze geoscience data and the results from global climate models to make an evidence-based forecast of the current rate of global or regional climate change and associated future impacts to Earth systems.
- HS-ESS3-6Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
- HS-ETS1-2Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
CCSS Math · 3
- HSA-CED.A.2Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on coordinate axes with labels and scales.
- HSF-LE.A.1Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear functions and with exponential functions.
- HSS-ID.B.6.aFit a function to the data; use functions fitted to data to solve problems in the context of the data. Use given functions or choose a function suggested by the context. Emphasize linear, quadratic, and exponential models.
CCSS ELA · 1
- SL.11-12.1.aCome to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.