This video explores the issue of ocean acidification and how it affects oyster populations in the Puget Sound area.
Students will see the efforts being made to restore and support native oysters after a major die-off reduced the population.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This resource provides an example of marine ecosystem restoration that also directly benefits humans.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the terms acidification, larvae, water column, and planktonic.
Differentiation
Pausing the video after each topic to check for understanding or to have a discussion about the topic could be helpful.
Showing a map of where Puget Sound is located would be helpful for students and could offer students of this area a local example of ecosystem restoration.
Chemistry classes can try incorporating a pH lab with this resource to extend the lesson.
Biology classes can discuss other changes in the ocean from climate change that affect marine species, including stronger storms, warmer water temperatures, and changing ocean currents.
Scientist Notes
The resource will provide understanding for students to explore deeply into the process of phytoplankton fertilization and its role in sustaining the marine food chain. It also provides knowledge on ocean acidification and the cascading effects on oysters, zooplankton and other marine resources. The resource is recommended.
Standards
Science and Engineering
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
HS-LS2-2 Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales.
HS-LS2-6 Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
