SCIENCE EDUCATION PROGRAM - Microsoft



PROGRAMMATIC OVERVIEWSCIENCE SAMPLERESSENTIAL QUESTION(S)How have the animals of the intertidal adapted to overcome the stress of this ecosystem?How do scientists collect data to preserve and protect the Rocky Intertidal Zone and the organisms that call it home?OBJECTIVESStudents will understand what adaptation means and the major abiotic and biotic drivers in an ecosystem that drive these adaptationsStudents will gain an in-depth overview of what makes the Rocky Intertidal Ecosystem uniqueStudents will understand the data collection techniques and scientific methods that Cabrillo scientists employ to manage the park’s resourcesStudents will understand the threats to coastal and oceanic communities and how they can help preserve and protect themLESSON GRADE LEVEL4th - 12th GradeDESCRIPTIONWelcome to one of the world’s most unique ecosystems, the Rocky Intertidal Zone. This vast expanse where land meets sea supports a thriving body of marine organisms all adapted to live under the harsh environmental pressures characteristic of this area. Dictated by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, the tides predictably flow in and out daily creating a low, high, and middle tidal zone. Each of these zones maintains a unique community waiting for your students to explore and discover what it means to adapt to their environment. With the Science Sampler Program, students will learn about the animals and plants of the Rocky Intertidal and the methods that real Cabrillo scientists employ to study and protect them. Students will have the option of taking data at home, then be guided to analyze their data and discuss the meaning of their results within the greater context of the ecosystem. Lastly, they will be prompted to consider what next steps they might take regarding their conclusions. VOCABULARYAdaptations are changes or the process of change by which an organism becomes better suited to its environment.Abiotic factors are non-living drivers that shape an ecosystem (i.e. sun, wind, water loss).Biotic factors are living drivers that shape an ecosystem (i.e. predation, competition, parasites, disease). Biodiversity refers to diverse forms of life that inhabit a given area. Bio meaning life, diversity meaning all the differing kinds of life living and growing there. An organism is an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.Habitat is where an organism lives and grows.An ecosystem is a system, or a group of interconnected elements, formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their environment.STANDARDS METK-5 PRIMARY: 4-LS1-1. 4-ESS2-1. 5-LS2-1.MIDDLE SCHOOL: MS-LS1-4. MS-LS1-5. MS-LS2-1. MS-LS2-2. MS-LS2-4. HIGH SCHOOL: HS-LS2-1. HS-LS2-2. HS-LS2-6. VISIT PREPARATIONGUIDED QUESTIONSWhat makes the Rocky Intertidal Ecosystem unique?What types of conditions in nature do plants and animals need to adapt to?Why and how do scientists study this ecosystem?ACTIVITYNote: A discussion with visual aids (PowerPoint and demonstration of tools used):Why the Rocky Intertidal Zone is the most extreme ecosystem on earthHow tidal patterns are drivenThe characteristics of the high, middle, and low intertidal zonesThe differences between abiotic and biotic forcesHow animals adapt to these forces to surviveThe importance of studying Rocky Intertidal EcosystemsThe Intertidal Monitoring Program at CabrilloData Collection Activity – Quadrat sampling and Owl Limpet monitoringReview of data and the ecological implications MATERIALS(a demonstration will be provided on Nepris, but if you would like to try it at home you will need)A Quadrat(s) – DIY instructions at or Caliper(s) – if you don’t have a caliper, you can use a ruler instead. Make sure you use the metric side (cm and mm)!A Clipboard(s) or a surface to write onA Pencil(s)Science Sampler Data SheetsField Guides – provided below and at CLOSING THOUGHTS (10 minutes – Cabrillo staff)Activity Review: Review methodology and inquire students on thoughts on the data collection process. What other tools could they use to collect data?Conservation Message: Review the mission of the National Park Service and how this data adds to our understanding of biodiversity, the park, and how to protect it.Conservation Commitment: What commitment will students make to help the Earth? Address Final QuestionsVIDEOS AND ONLINE RESOURCESThe Rocky Intertidal Zone: Rocky Intertidal Ecosytems: Intertidal Biome [Video]: Animal Adaptations [Video]: Example Species Guides: Cabrillo Field Notes: Cabrillo YouTube: belowAFTER THE LESSONGUIDED REFLECTIONFrom our data collection exercise, what might we say about biodiversity at Cabrillo National Monument? What does the data mean in an ecological context?Would you design our study differently? If so, how and why?Why is it important for scientists to conduct studies like this?ACTIVITYThere are many ways students can ‘adapt’ their lifestyle to promote sustainability and conservation – brainstorm these different ways and make a classroom or household commitment to help protect the Earth and track it over a given time period. Think about creating your own scientific study. Encourage student creativity! ADDITONAL RESOURCESCabrillo Field Notes: Cabrillo YouTube: Birch Aquarium: SD CoastKeeper: The Living Coast Discovery Center: Connect with us on social media:Cabrillo National Monument @CabrilloNPSBiologist Sam Wynns on Instagram @STEAMbossSammieThe If/Then Initiative @ifthenshecan ................
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