Students will use the internet or printed articles and video clips from the COSEE module to research why seagrass numbers have declined. A brief Secchi disc/tube demonstration will help explain why seagrasses need to live in clear, relatively shallow water.
Objectives
Students will be able to explain why:
- Seagrass populations have declined dramatically in recent years
- Seagrass decline can be attributed to natural and human causes
Materials
- Computer Lab with internet access, preferably one computer for each student.
- Copies of Seagrass Fact Sheet 1 and Seagrass Fact Sheet 2 and any other relevant articles. See References for suggestions
- Copies of Student Worksheet
Procedure
- Demonstrate how cloudy, turbid water prevents seagrass from getting adequate light by following the instructions for the Importance of Light demonstration, available on the main "Access Classroom Resources" page.
- Bookmark the Teach Ocean Science seagrass module and direct the students to the "Explore Trends" page. Print out copies of Seagrass Fact Sheet 1 and Seagrass Fact Sheet 2 (download from Lesson Resources, below) and other relevant articles (some links provided in References section).
- Hand out Student Worksheet (download below) and help the students answer the questions.
References
- Vancouver Sun Article, http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=2fb35467-064e-4335-a26d-779c71486178&k=87947
- University of Florida Informational Article, http://www.edc.uri.edu/restoration/html/tech_sci/restsea.htm
National Science Education Standards
9-12 C. Life Science
- Interdependence of organisms
9-12 E. Science and Technology
- Understandings about science and technology
9-12 F. Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
- Personal and community health
- Population growth
- Natural resources
- Environmental quality
- Natural and human induced hazards
- Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges
Student Worksheet
Seagrass Fact Sheet 1