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This Build Your Own Ocean Ecosystem lesson plan also includes:
- Volume One: Why Do We Explore? Complete Book
- Framework Correlations
- NGSS Performance Expectations
- Activity
- Vocabulary
- Graphic & Image
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Hold the sea in the palm of your hand! Amateur oceanographers work together to create models of an ocean ecosystem in the sixth and final installment in a series. Raise awareness of global ocean health issues through guided research, then construct an observable habitat in a Mason jar. Finally, learners watch as organisms play out their symbiotic roles and make note of what they see.
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Concepts
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Instructional Ideas
- Provide guidelines for the research portion of the lesson, as well as a location for groups to record their observations
- Ask learners to identify what role each component of the model ecosystem plays
- If food web concepts have already been discussed in previous classes, ensure individuals are using proper terms
Classroom Considerations
- Ecosystem models require living components that need to be purchased from a pet store in advance of the activity
- Plan time for groups to research factors that are affecting ocean health
- If computers with Internet access are not available within the classroom or lab, schedule time in the computer lab
Pros
- Building a model ecosystem gets tactile learners deeply involved in the discovery process
- Discussion and models provide ample opportunities for formative checks
Cons
- Printable materials are not included within the teacher's guide