Plankton Races (CACS CoastWatch Curriculum)
Lesson plan for a hands-on (and somewhat messy) activity in which students engineer models of plankton to explore the concept of neutral buoyancy and the adaptations plankton have to achieve this.
Read MorePlankton Studies (CACS CoastWatch Curriculum)
Lesson plan for a lab and field trip activity where students collect plankton and observe under the microscope. If you cannot collect plankton, CACS can ship you some.
Read MorePracticing Protocols for Beach Sampling (CACS CoastWatch Curriculum)
Lesson plan for introducing and practicing methods used in beach sampling/monitoring activities. Could be used for terrestrial ecosystems as well.
Read MorePredicting the Path of Marine Debris (CACS CoastWatch Curriculum)
Lesson plan that uses the story of small plastic animals from a container ship spill that drifted around the world. The story and activities help students to understand predominant ocean currents. Includes links to some great digital simulators of currents and transport of marine debris in the extensions section.
Read MorePressure & Storms (CACS CoastWatch Curriculum)
Demonstration and lab activities that introduce students to messuring barometric pressure and using these measurements to predict the weather.
Read MoreSampling for the ‘e’ Organism Practic for Beach Sampling (CACS Coastwatch Curriculum)
Lesson plan for introducing and practicing methods used in beach sampling/monitoring activities. Could be used for terrestrial ecosystems as well.
Read MoreShip Traffic in the Bering Strait
The Pew Charitable Trust studies increased shipping hazards in the Bering Strait region due to climate change. This website highlights article and new resources about this topic.
Read MoreStations – Effects of Marine Debris on Ecosystems
A series of 6 engaging station activities that introduce students to the ecosystem impacts of marine debris through hands-on demonstrations, games, and art activities. Each of the stations is designed to be set up by the teacher and then explored independently by student groups, but teachers could also facilitate each activity in turn. Any one…
Read MoreStream to Plate: Fish to Schools Classroom Lesson Plans
Students learn about salmon life cycle and food webs, the importance of salmon in local economies, environmental benefits of eating local foods, different gear for harvesting salmon, food preparations, and play the Fishing for the Future game to understand the importance of regulating harvests. The unit concludes with a cooking lesson. Sitka Conservation Society.
Read MoreLegend and Science of the Bidarki
Lesson plan for classroom and field-trip based activities that introduce students to the community-based research on Bidarki chitons (Katharina tunicata) and the different factors that impact Bidarki abundance, distribution, and size. Includes a field trip for collecting data about Bidarki size and abundance.
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