Climate Change and Lakes That Look Like Pea Soup

Provided by: Field Museum |Published on: June 3, 2025

Articles/Websites

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Synopsis

This article, provided by the Field Museum, discusses what would happen if Lake Michigan became overrun by slimy, green algae.
The article discusses eutrophication and how climate change plays a role in harmful algal blooms taking over other lakes and aquatic ecosystems.

Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences

Authors: Melanie Mancuso

Region: Chicagoland IL

Languages: English

Positives

The website article links algae growth, caused by eutrophication, on bodies of water and climate change with numerous examples.
Links to ways to reduce sewer overflow and reduce carbon footprints are included in the section discussing ways humans can make an impact. A YouTube video is also under the attached resources pertaining to sewer overflow.

Prerequisites

Teachers may want to consider how they want their students to view the article. Students may access it via the webpage link if they have access to their own devices and the internet. Teachers can also print the article for students.
The diagram on eutrophication does seem to be missing step #4. Teachers may want to consider creating an anchor chart showing all the steps of eutrophication and displaying it for the classroom and/or giving students their own individual copies.

Differentiation & Implementation

Teachers may use the lesson Algal Blooms on Lake Superior to show how eutrophication is currently impacting other Great Lakes. The lesson also allows students to create their own eutrophication models.
Teachers can access the Eutrophication and Dead Zones video through Khan Academy to further explore "dead zones" created by eutrophication.
The article gives different ways to prevent climate change that is causing eutrophication. Students can conduct research and brainstorm other ways to prevent eutrophication and see if any other communities have found a way to combat the eutrophication process.

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Resource Type and Format