This collection of lesson plans and activities for students includes engaging materials to allow anyone to gain a better understanding of Kelp Forest Ecosystems, their importance, the animals that call them home, and the dangers they face.
This lesson focuses on how marine photosynthetic organisms contribute oxygen to our atmosphere. Students will research and present about a marine organism that photosynthesizes and consider the importance of those organisms as historic and current contributors to atmospheric oxygen.
Students learn about the National Marine Sanctuary System by researching their habitats, species, physical features and cultural importance. Students will understand there is a tremendous diversity of ocean environments and life forms.
Students will learn techniques scientists use to measure species abundance in rocky intertidal and subtidal zones in national marine sanctuaries. Students will consider the environmental conditions that influence species occurrence and abundance and why it is important to monitor these sensitive habitats.
This lesson introduces students to Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California. Students will learn about Kelp Forest Ecosystems interactions and how they can be impacted by changing ocean conditions. Students will also learn about ways some marine protected areas address this threat. Use the Kelp Forest Ecosystems Food Web and Monitoring Survey worksheets that go along with this lesson plan.
This matching game allows students to exercise their knowledge of keystone species within kelp species.
In this activity you will learn about ways that scientists monitor habitats in the marine environment of the Channel Islands and will be able to apply what they have learned to monitoring their own field study site.
Take a virtual dive in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary kelp forests. Learn about some of the animals that call this incredible ecosystem home! Submit a request for someone to present to your classroom.
