tidepools

Link to Teacher Page Exploring The Intertidal Zone

Student Page

http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/memorial/tidepools

Introduction

Your class has received information from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) that a nationally funded grant is being offered to support research in our local intertidal zone. Your group has been asked to research the deteriorating conditions of this area and find out what is causing the break down of this community. After you do preliminary research on this area, your group will be responsible for collecting and analyzing samples at the tide pools (Tide pool field trip lab). Your findings from this project will be compiled into a research packet which your group will present to a Senate sub committee (Class) responsible the funding this grant. You should do as good a job as possible to ensure that your group is approved for funding. If your group is selected for this grant, you will be provided with a 3 year stipend of $175,000 for further research of this area. Each student must become an expert on the ecological community and be able to discuss how this environmental impact which is disrupting it.

The Task

YOUR OVERALL TASK IS TO CREATE A RESEARCH PACKET USED TO JUSTIFY GRANT FUNDING OF YOUR PROJECT.

Activities which will prepare you for this report include:

Research of the oceans of the world
Examination of the profiles of the ocean floors.
Experiments relating to wave movements and relationship of intertidal zone.
Research of ocean salinity.
Preparations for Tide Pools Lab field trip.
Tide Pools field trip lab.

Internet Resources

The following links will help you research your project:

Process: Lesson plans, activities and grading rubrics you will need:

Day 1-2 For days one and two, you will learn the names and locations of the oceans of the world.

Day 3-4 Days three to four your group will examine the profile of the oceans and their floors, providing for an understanding of marine life diversity and the evolutionary process.

Day 5 Your group will conduct experiments discovering the relationship and importance of waves and ocean movement on the marine life and intertidal zones.

Day 6-9 Days 6 and 7 your group will conduct labs utilizing the scientific method and appropriate lab techniques to examine the characteristics and salinity of sea water.

Day 10-14 The labs conducted in the classroom on these days prepare your group for an examination of the diverse marine life of the tide pools. You will be examining several plants and animals found in the intertidal zone through hands on and microscope based labs.

Day 15 Tide Pool Lab Field Trip - Your research group will examine specimens from the shallow waters of the oceans and discuss similarities and differences in characteristics of these animals. The purpose of this lab is to better acquaint students with the interdependence of marine life in the shallows of this aquatic biome.

Science Standards Addressed

Understanding of processes of evolution, in particular species, diversity and adaptations, variation and extinction.
Using scientific reasoning strategies to formulate questions about a wide range of phenomenon.
Using tools and technologies to collect and analyze data.
Communicating clearly and effectively about the natural world.

Language Arts Standards Addressed

Reading informational materials to develop understanding and expertise and produces written or oral work that makes connections to related topics or information.
Writing a report which created an organizing structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context.
Accessing and exchanging information, asking appropriate questions, responding to the questions of others, using language which is simple and appropriate for communicating, speaking audibly, and makes appropriate eye contact.
Independently using appropriate conventions of the English Language.

Evaluation

Your final projects will include:

A research report about the relationship between 1 animal of the intertidal zone and it's environment
A lab notebook containing all the research from the unit and field experience
A beach log containing student research and findings from the tide pool field lab.

Each of the items listed above will be graded a rubric included in each of the lessons plans.

Conclusion

Upon completing this unit, you will be comfortable conducting research both in the science lab and in the field. Science and it's research findings lends itself to all subject areas and life experiences. This project will help you develop skills in scientific research, mathematical problem solving, historical investigation and the writing process. Return to Triton Projects Page

Day 1-2	For days one and two, you will learn the names and locations of the oceans of the world.
Day 3-4	Days three to four your group will examine the profile of the oceans and their floors, providing for an understanding of marine life diversity and the evolutionary process.
Day 5	Your group will conduct experiments discovering the relationship and importance of waves and ocean movement on the marine life and intertidal zones.
Day 6-9	Days 6 and 7 your group will conduct labs utilizing the scientific method and appropriate lab techniques to examine the characteristics and salinity of sea water.
Day 10-14	The labs conducted in the classroom on these days prepare your group for an examination of the diverse marine life of the tide pools. You will be examining several plants and animals found in the intertidal zone through hands on and microscope based labs.
Day 15	Tide Pool Lab Field Trip - Your research group will examine specimens from the shallow waters of the oceans and discuss similarities and differences in characteristics of these animals. The purpose of this lab is to better acquaint students with the interdependence of marine life in the shallows of this aquatic biome.