Coastal Ecology—Biodiversity Summary: “In this lesson, students will explore the biodiversity of two National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) national marine sanctuaries. Following a discussion of the term “biodiversity” and why biodiversity is important, students will take virtual trips (via video footage) to Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, located off the California coast, and the […]
Coastal Ecology—Web of Life Summary: This activity will give students a look at how all animals and plants in a system are interconnected and what can happen when just one organism is removed. Some of the discussion focuses on the sea otter- a species that is now extinct from the Oregon coast. Concepts to teach: […]
Coastal Ecology—Recipe for an Ocean Summary: This activity will inspire students to brainstorm the components that make up an ocean community and introduce them to the concepts of food chains, energy transfer and food webs. The second part of the activity, designed for older students, challenges them to create a food web in relation to […]
Coastal Habitats & Species—Ocean Animal Adaptations Summary: The ocean is home to a variety of animal species, and each has structural and behavioral adaptations that allow for survival in marine ecosystems. Concepts to teach: Adaptation, marine ecosystems, evolution Goals: The ocean supports a great diversity of life. Animal species are adapted to environments. Standards: 6.2L.2, […]
Coastal Habitats & Species—Squid Dissection Summary: Students will dissect a squid, learn about squid anatomy and adaptations, and then compare their dissected specimen to an octopus. Concepts to teach: Squid anatomy and adaptations, Compare and Contrast Goals: Students will investigate and discuss internal and external squid anatomy. Some features of the squid will be compared […]
Coastal Habitats & Species—Rocky Shore Survivors Summary: Students become intertidal organisms and role-play various tidal situations to understand how they adaptations for survival are necessary and effective. Concepts to teach: Adaptations and Survival; Rocky Shores Habitat Goals: Students will learn about the challenges and benefits of living in the rocky shores and the adaptations inhabitants […]
Introduction—Ocean Observation Summary: This activity will help familiarize students with methods scientists use to study the coastal ocean in the Pacific Northwest, and will encourage them to pose and investigate their own questions about the ocean. Concepts to teach: Physical and Earth Science, Inquiry Goals: To show students how technology enables scientists to study local […]
Introduction—Tidepool Inquiry Summary: These field activities introduce students of all ages to the intertidal habitats of rocky shores while safely exploring tidepools. Using guided inquiry and structured group investigation, students will observe species living in this diverse habitat to make and test hypotheses about adaptations and interactions that are occurring in the community. Concepts to […]
Coastal Ecology—Estuary Food Pyramid Summary: When animals eat plants or other animals in order to survive, there is a flow of food energy through the ecosystem. What starts out as energy from the sun is converted into food energy by organisms that use photosynthesis, and is transferred to other organisms as they consume food. The […]
Coastal Ecology—Surveying the Shoreline Summary: Wrack, the debris cast ashore, wash up along many tidally influence shores in Oregon and are often a main nutrient source for communities living along a shoreline habitat. The source of the wrack varies depending on the location, but time and again evidence of the watershed to ocean connection is […]