Although there is much uncertainty on this issue students need to understand all the possible ramifications. If sea level rise predictions prove false and we have prepared for the worst nothing much is lost. However if preparations are not made the results will be devastating. This lesson demonstrates thermal expansion and the possible impacts on a coastal community. This lesson is useful for demonstrating how scientists estimate population size for animals difficult or impossible to observe directly.
Students discover that familiar geometric shapes can be found in nature.
Using fish and other marine organisms student identify familiar geometric shapes in the organisms overall natural design. Ocean water color is data used by research scientists to monitor plankton blooms, climate changes, surface sea water temperatures, and a variety of other important data necessary in the effort to preserve the integrity of the ocean. Currents, water color, temperature, and biological systems are discussed. A simple game that demonstrates the stresses on fish populations. This activity introduces the concepts of management and conservation and the requisite vocabulary used by scientists to explain population declines.