Get Free Access for 10 Days!
Lesson Plan

Build Your Own Ocean Ecosystem

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Build Your Own Ocean Ecosystem lesson plan also includes:

Hold the sea in the palm of your hand! Amateur oceanographers work together to create models of an ocean ecosystem in the sixth and final installment in a series. Raise awareness of global ocean health issues through guided research, then construct an observable habitat in a Mason jar. Finally, learners watch as organisms play out their symbiotic roles and make note of what they see.

142 Views 103 Downloads NGSS: Designed
Concepts
oceans, ocean exploration, the deep sea, ecosystems, marine ecosystems, biotic factors, abiotic factors, invasive species, ocean pollution, overfishing, ocean habitats
Show More Show Less
Additional Tags
science
Show More Show Less
Instructional Ideas
  • Provide guidelines for the research portion of the lesson, as well as a location for groups to record their observations
  • Ask learners to identify what role each component of the model ecosystem plays
  • If food web concepts have already been discussed in previous classes, ensure individuals are using proper terms
Classroom Considerations
  • Ecosystem models require living components that need to be purchased from a pet store in advance of the activity
  • Plan time for groups to research factors that are affecting ocean health
  • If computers with Internet access are not available within the classroom or lab, schedule time in the computer lab
Pros
  • Building a model ecosystem gets tactile learners deeply involved in the discovery process
  • Discussion and models provide ample opportunities for formative checks
Cons
  • Printable materials are not included within the teacher's guide