AIR & THE
Chesapeake Bay
Activity 4 (Explain): Algae: The Silent Killer
Expand All
Collapse All
Switch to Dark Mode
Activity Summary
In this activity, students analyze graphs of data from Sykes Creek, a stream in Florida that was the site of a fish kill in 2016 (the fish kill isn’t revealed to students until the end). After looking at the graphs of algae and dissolved oxygen, they read about the connection between algae, dissolved oxygen, and decomposers. Finally, they use what they have learned from the graphs and the reading to explain what caused the fish kill.
Activity Objectives & Materials
Approximate Time: 60 minutes
Objectives:
-
Students will interpret a graph and read a text to learn how algal blooms result in dead zones.
Materials:
-
Computer & projector
-
Word wall words: dissolved oxygen, algae, algae bloom, decomposer
Handouts:
-
Reading: Algae & Dissolved Oxygen (double-entry journal)
Standards Connection
Warm-up
1. Frame the Activity
2. Graph 1: Algae
3. Graph 2: Dissolved Oxygen
4. Graphs 1 & 2 Combined
5. Building Background Knowledge Reading
6. Sensemaking Discussion
7. Return to Sykes Creek
8. March 20, 2016
9. Formative Assessment: Conclusion