Big Idea
• Resource availability and abiotic factors
affect algae growth
Microbes and algae blooms
Variables that affect conditions for
algae growth and development
Steve Seal
Theresa Waters
Objective
• To conceptualize and understanding of the
different variables that affect microbial
algae.
• Investigate the counterintuitive nature of
ocean temperature and algae growth.
Summary
• Students will analyze near real time data
that reflects algae concentrations and
conditions that might foster that
development
• Students will be able to predict algae
development given a set of environmental
conditions
Procedures 1
• Following an introduction of types and
characteristics of microbial algae (from
earlier lesson), students will brainstorm
ideas about ocean environments and
conditions necessary for organic growth.
Use a graphic organizer to list information
(Circle Map…)
• (possibly need to discuss land plant
needs) KWL Chart
Procedures 2
• Students explore the satellite analysis of
sea surface temp (SST) and Chlorophyll
and interpret the color index making
inferences about information (use Ocean
color site)
• Lead a discussion on results
Sea Surface Temp July 2007
Chlorophyll Data July 2007
Discussion Questions
1.What do notice about the two regions on
the west coast and gulf coast in terms of
SST and Chlorophyll
2.Compare and contrast the conditions
present (using a Venn Diagram)
3.Make a prediction about the causes of
high chlorophyll and differing SSTs
Procedures 3
• Lead into discussion of nutrients and the
important part they play in the growth and
development of algae blooms. (Using
Phytopia-phyto factors video #1, the
Bigelow webpage on phytoplankton, or
direct teacher instruction)
Procedures 3 (cont)
• Introduce the topic of upwelling and
compare to nutrient run-off as a factor in
algae blooms (go back to the satellite
maps investigated)
• DEFINITION: Bring in cold nutrient rich
water pushed by wind into warmer coastal
areas, as opposed to nutrient run-off. (film
on upwelling-WHOI)
• upwelling video
Procedures 3 (cont)
• Compare to Nitrogen run-off report
included in lesson plan—pictures follow
from article
Mississippi River Watershed
Mississippi River Delta run-off
Procedure 4
• Introduce algae blooms and through web
quest activities students will discover the
sources and effects of these blooms
• phytoplankton information
• Harmful Algae : Red Tide
• OceanLink | Biodviersity - Ask a Marine Scientist
• C-MORE | Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and
Education
Procedures 5
• Compare and contrast the types of blooms
and effects in different areas, and review
information found in webquest.
Assessment
• Predict if an algae bloom is likely given a series
of conditions.
• Using satellite pictures of different months
(SST/Chlorophyll) as a group activity, students
will decide if conditions are right for an algae
bloom (stand up if yes, remain seated if no).
• Give students individual satellite pictures to
analyze in terms of conditions for blooms or
situation possibilities.
Standards
• The Number of organisms an ecosystem
can support depends on resources
available and abiotic factors (National)
• Most life in the ocean exists as microbes
(ocean lit)
• Ocean habitats are defined by
environmental factors (ocean lit)
Resources
• OceanColor Home Page
• C-MORE | Center for Microbial Oceanography
• algae blooms and phytoplankton
• Ask a Marine Scientist
• Harmful Algae : Red Tide
• WaterPollution (article on Gulf of Mexico
Fun Links
• Microbe Personality Quiz
• planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/AlienSafari