9th grade Science Wellness Inquiry: March 5th-March 18th
Algal Blooms (Red Tide)
Inquiry Question: Are algal blooms in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica
anthropogenic or naturally caused? How do these blooms affect human health
and the economy?
Due Date: Tuesday, March 19th with progress checks on March 8th and March
13th.
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Friday, March 8th: A minimum of 1 Project chosen and preliminary research complete with at
least 3 different reputable sources cited. Preliminary research must include notes on the three
cited sources.
Wednesday, March 13th: First Draft of at least one project completed and submitted.
Monday, March 18th: Final projects due and presentations in class.
Objectives with potential projects (complete one): SWBA (students will be able to)
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understand how the toxic by-products of micro-organisms such as certain phytoplankton can
harmfully affect marine ecosystems and humans.
◦ Assessment: Research based powerpoint presentation (5 minute minimum) including
documented Interviews with CR marine fisheries personnel
◦ http://www.ticotimes.net/Current-Edition/News-Briefs/Shellfish-from-Gulf-of-Nicoya-aresafe-to-eat_Wednesday-February-22-2012 (at the bottom of the article are government
agencies responsible for monitoring)
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understand how phosphate and nitrate outflows produced by agriculture can impact marine
ecosystems.
◦ Assessment: Persuasive essay taking the side of agribusiness or environmentalists
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understand historical global patterns of algal blooms and the factors that affect these blooms
◦ Assessment: 4 page scientific research paper, appropriately cited with a minimum of 5
sources
◦ http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/fieldcourses05/PapersMarineEcologyArticles/RedTidePhen
omenon.html
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identify the life cycle, natural history, and taxonomy of phytoplankton
◦ Assessment: species account of at least two species prevalent in algal blooms
◦ See “Species Account Expectations”
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define and identify the differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration and how
toxins can be produced as a by-product in some species of phytoplankton but not in others.
◦ Assessment: oral exam
◦ http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/files/CellularRespPhotoOverview.pdf
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identify the presence of at least one form of phytoplankton in algal blooms in Guanacaste
through the effective use of a microscope.
◦ Assessment: lab assignment and write-up
http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/SEH/Ocean_Planet/activities/ts3ssac3.pdf