Students will understand how upwelling affects the ocean nutrient cycle, which therefore allows phytoplankton to utilize the nutrients into energy.  Dense, cold water is normally found deep in the ocean.  The remains of dead, decomposing organisms sink to the ocean bottom making the deep ocean waters rich in nutrients.  However, phytoplankton, which are the basis[…]

Students will gain an understanding of how and why recycling helps our environment while recording and comparing conscious choices they are personally making while setting goals for the future. What is plastic made from?  Why is it so important to conserve fossil fuels?   How do our recycling choices affect phytoplankton? DOWNLOAD THE LESSON PLAN HERE[…]

Students will gain an understanding of the complex problem of micro plastics in the ocean and how it affects the marine food web. How does human use of plastics affect the marine food web?   What are micro plastics?  How do micro plastics affect the health of phytoplankton? Phytoplankton are an essential organism in our world’s aquatic[…]

This is the second in our new series of lesson plans dedicated to exploring the world of plankton through art and science collaboration.  Students will gain new understanding, appreciation and emotional connections to phytoplankton by creating a series of phytoplankton game cards, personalized with their own designs and game models. DOWNLOAD THE LESSON PLAN HERE IN PRINTABLE PDF[…]