Description of lessons
The chlorophyll coastal time series project is designed to focus on the impact of plankton within the California Current Ecosystem. Lesson design is flexible where studies can be used individually or collectively for a deeper understanding of ecological concepts. Each lesson follows a similar approach and includes a general understanding of long-term, interdisciplinary research and the use of scientific methods, demonstrating how scientists solve real-world problems using data. Through a partnership with the Ocean Institute, these materials are based on real time series research off the California coast. They parallel state and national education standards, and help to create scientific learning experiences that engage the learner actively in tasks consistent with those that motivate real-world scientists. Carefully designed assessments are also included which will drive the learners to make connections to larger global concepts like climate warming. These materials are accessible on the CCE outreach webpage (www.ccelter.edu) to not only encourage teachers to incorporate data as a part of teaching science, but also to support the use of data-enhanced learning experiences as a means to broaden the public's understanding of scientific research.
Available Lesson Plans
- Lesson 2: Phytoplankton and CO2
- What impact do phytoplankton and zooplankton have on CO2 and DO levels in a marine environment?
- Lesson 4: Time, Temperature and Chlorophyll a
- How does climatic temperature change effect chlorophyll a abundance?
Coming Soon
- Lesson 1: Plankton ID and size class
- What is plankton?
- Why are there different size classes of plankton?
- Lesson 3: Plankton and the Food Web
- What role does phytoplankton play in the CCE pelagic food web?
- Trophic levels, relationships of other marine organisms to phytoplankton.