Algae Invades Life Science
Megan Phipps-Dickerson
Standards
7.3.A.1.a- Provide examples and explain that organisms
sorted into groups share similarities in external structures
as well as similarities in internal anatomical structures and
processes which can be used to infer the degree of
relatedness among organisms.
7.3.B.1.b- Based on data from readings and designed
investigations, cite evidence to illustrate that the life
functions of multicellular organisms (plant and animal) are
carried out within complex systems of different tissues,
organs and cells. - Extracting energy from food - Getting
rid of wastes - Making raw materials
7.3.E.1.c.- Investigate and describe the processes that
enable plants to use the energy from light to make sugars
(food) from carbon dioxide and water.
7.3.E.1.f.-Provide evidence that supports the premise "In
the flow of matter system the total amount of matter
remains constant even though its form and location
change." *Food chains and food webs
7.4.A.1.e.- Cite evidence to explain that all living and nonliving things can be broken down into elements.
Getting to Know Algae
What is Algae?
Algae are called “Simple Plants,” but are not
truly plants at all. They are a very diverse
group of organisms that first originated 3.5
billion years ago.
Algae are eukaryotic organisms, which
means that they contain a nucleus within a
cell membrane.
Algae can be classified mainly by their
pigments:
*Green Algae- Green because of their
green chlorophyll, used for photosynthesis.
Green Algae can be both single cellular or
multicellular, and some even live in colonies.
Objective
Algae is taking over all of Life Science: These
lessons are to be used throughout the school year,
allowing students to build on their understanding of
algae as they progress through the units.
*Prove with evidence that all living and nonliving things are made up
of elements
*Explain the pros and cons of having elements within the foods we
consume
*Understand and demonstrate the similarities and differences
between microalgae and macroalgae
*State the role of algae within a food chain
•Prokaryotes- Organisms that lack a true nucleus.
•Eukaryotes- Organisms that have a true nucleus,
they are the opposite of prokaryotes, and are thought
to have evolved from prokaryotes.
•Algae- Photosynthetic organisms that can be both
Algae are “like” tiny plants, but they are specialized. They
unicellular or multicellular. Algae reside within the
make their own food through photosynthesis. Algae
kingdom Protista
obtain their energy from the Sun, then break down
•Seaweed- Microscopic, multicellular algae that are
carbon dioxide in water, and make carbohydrates.
classified by their pigment color (Red, Green, or
Several other organisms rely on algae to do this; without
Brown).
algae they would not be able to survive.
•Living- Organic objects that are cellular and that
Carbon Dioxideperform life’s basic functions.
•Organism- A living thing
Water•Photosynthesis- A process in which plants, and
Carbohydrates (glucose)other organisms convert light into energy.
•Heterotroph- Organisms that can not make their own
Algae also extract microscopic amounts of necessary
food, they must search for their food.
elements (nitrates and phosphates) from the surrounding
•Autotroph- Organisms that make their own food.
water. An increase in these nutrients can be one trigger
•Niche- A word that describes the way of life of a
for "algae blooms" that can cover large areas and deplete
certain species, an activity or role that is special to
oxygen levels in the water when they die and decompose
that organism.
Labs/Activities
*Red Algae- Red Algae gets its color
from their pigment, which is used for
photosynthesis. These pigments absorb blue
light.
Red algae were one of the first
eukaryotes on the planet, and are also some
of the most specialized algae types. There
are types of red algae that can survive in
really deep waters, and other that can form
calcium carbonate shells and form coral
reefs.
*Argue which kingdom algae belongs, proving whether it is a "plant"
or not
*Demonstrate how algae obtains its food
Algae- It’s Elemental
Common Definitions
Would You Eat That?
-Bridging the concept that all living and nonliving things are
made up of elements.
-Arguing, is it okay to eat things full of elements even if its
natural (like seaweed?)
Big Vs. Small
-Analyzing different slides and pictures of microalgae and
macroalgae in order to understand and demonstrate that all
living things exist in different levels of complexity.
Which Kingdom Shall I Rule?
*Brown Algae- Brown Algae often have
an extra pigment used for photosynthesis,
that give the organisms a brown color. This
group is also very diverse, and range in size,
all the way from the smallest (Diatoms) to
the largest (kelp). The Diatoms produce a
majority of the planets oxygen.
-Prove which Kingdom algae really belongs to.
- Argue why some people may disagree and place algae into
a different kingdom
My Recipe for Energy
-Determine how Algae gets or makes its energy.
-Compare algae to other organisms.
Starting from the Bottom
-State the role of algae within a food chain.
-Discus the cause and effect relationships between too much
algae and too little algae within the ecosystem.
Resources
www.umes.edu/crest
Text- Life On An Ocean Planet
Images from Kathy Richardson and Google Images
Acknowledgements
I wish to thank the following for their
outstanding work and research:
Dr. Paulinus Chigbu, CISCEP Director
Dr. Andrea Johnson, CISCEP Associate Director
Kerrie Bunting , Program Coordinators
Christopher Daniels, CISCEP Boat Captain
Faculty Mentors:
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Dr.
Eric May
Joseph Pitula
Madhumi Mitra
Patricia Goslee
Dr. Yan Waguespack