Michigan Sea Grant
Survival Game
Musical chairs may be a classic game, but Ruffe Musical Chairs is a unique lesson on invasive species! Using the time-honored game, pupils role play the behaviors of the invasive fish called Eurasian ruffe. Learning about this aggressive...
Curated OER
Down in the Dumps
After an introduction to municipal sludge, middle school ecologists consider the pros and cons of dumping in the Hudson River Canyon. The class is split into two groups: one to debate in favor or dumping and one to debate against the...
Curated OER
2005 Hidden Ocean Expedition What's Eating You?
Analyze data and make inferences about the trophic position of organisms in the Canada marine food web. After a review of the geography and formula, discuss results and write an essay to improve the understanding of Artic food webs.
Curated OER
Ecosystem Interdependence
Students outline a scenario demonstrating ecosystem interdependence. They explain the effects of this change according to the food web. They give a positive example such as increased rain and have the students call out answers to your...
Ocean Explorer
Living with the Heat
Young oceanographers study the Submarine Ring of Fire, which is a series of deep-water volcanic vents that come up from the ocean floor. Learners take a close look at the unique ecosystems that are associated with these areas, how these...
Curated OER
Tracking Ocean Ecology
Students look at the data maps given to them about how chlorophyll affects the algae blooms and make predictions about the harm they will cause. In this data maps lesson plan, students manipulate data sets from the website.
Teach Engineering
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is one of several garbage patches around the world where garbage accumulates naturally. As part of a GIS unit that combines oceanography, environmental science, and life science, class members investigate...
Curated OER
Oceans and Coasts
Learners explore the topic of marine pollution. They define key vocabulary words, list examples of marine pollution, complete a true/false handout, read an article, and participate in a class discussion.
Curated OER
Ecology
Fourth graders research an ecosystem and its endangered species. They create a PowerPoint Presentation, oral report, poster or a booklet based on their research. They research on the internet and in biology texts in teams of 4.
Curated OER
Sea Connections
Students, after locating different marine habitats on a globe, play a card game about ecosystems, food webs and organisms.
Curated OER
Estuaries, Estuarine Habitats, and Adaptations
Middle schoolers conduct research on estuaries. They design and construct an estuary, describe the physical characteristics of an estuary, and create a diagram illustrating an estuarine food web.
Curated OER
Impact of Exotic Species on Lake Ecology
Students examine the effect of foreign species on various habitats. In groups, they identify the population dynamics of the zebra mussel. They calculate averages and graph data from Seneca Lake in New York. They develop hypothesis...
Curated OER
Spineless - YES... Helpless - NO!
Students distinguish between invertebrate and vertebrate organisms while examining the zoological classes of a number of invertebrates. They illustrate a food web of these organisms and investigate the impact of humans on the oceanic...
Curated OER
How Are Open Ocean Organisms Structured for Their Environment?
Young scholars explore biology by conducting an animal dissection. In this oceanography lesson, students identify the life cycle of a squid and other animals that are involved with commercial fishing. Young scholars dissect a squid in...
Curated OER
The Web of Life
Young scholars participate in a game in which they discover the balance of life in the ocean. They identify different organisms that rely on different types of food. They answer questions to complete the lesson.
Curated OER
Exploring Limu Diversity
Young scholars explore limu diversity. In this ocean ecosystem lesson, students classify limu according to its physical properties. Young scholars work in small groups to generate scientific observations and sort limu by characteristics.
Curated OER
Investigating Ocean Life
Sixth graders explore the various forms of ocean life. They research a creature that lives in the ocean. Students use their research information to create a series of HyperStudio stacks about their sea creature.
National Geographic
Eat an Alien Invader
If you are looking for a lesson about invasive species to ocean habitats, you have arrived! Introduce the concept to learners and have them read an article about marine invasive species. Vocabulary, relevant web links, and a cute handout...
Curated OER
Gone Fishin'
Students explore fishing and the food web. They simulate the role of fisherman using candy as fish and use provided materials to create a fishing device. Afterward, they complete data tables to organize the day's catch and report the...
Curated OER
Hawaii's Freshwater Animals - Species Report
Learners explore biology by creating a report for the class. In this oceanography lesson, students research and identify the survival characteristics of a list of freshwater animals by utilizing the Internet and library. Learners...
Curated OER
Meet the Arctic Benthos
Students recognize and identify major groups found in the Arctic benthos. They describe common feeding strategies used by benthic animals in the Arctic Ocean. They discuss relationships between
Curated OER
Coral Reefs Endangered
Pupils research where in the world coral reefs are located. In this ecology lesson, students create food chains and food web. They simulate growing coral reefs to understand their characteristics better.
Curated OER
Imagine a Kelp Forest
Students write a story based on their research of the kelp forest. In this ecosystem lesson, students view a video and research the kelp forest ecosystem. They write a short story imagining the discovery of a new species in the kelp forest.
Curated OER
Nature Superfish
Students examine the billfish as a predator in the ocean. In this ocean, creatures, and tides lesson, students view video clips and discuss the sea creatures and scientists in the videos. Students create their own videos. students...