Lessons
The following sequence of lessons and activities take students beneath the waves and into the wonder of the kelp forest. They will learn about both the biodiversity and constantly changing nature of this ecosystem. To conclude, they will map these lessons onto another ecosystem, and imagine how human impacts and natural changes might impact all skyscrapers. These elements can be completed in sequence, or as separate lessons.
Engage
Class Website Experience and Discussion: Underwater Skyscraper
Students will meet the residents of the aquatic high-rise that is the kelp forest, then discuss how they are connected.
islandvisions.org/kelpforest
Discussion Guide
Suggested Duration: 30 minutes
Explore
Independent Research: Changing Systems
Students will examine the resources below, completing a comprehension worksheet.
Read: “Reading the Forest” Ecologist Dan Reed describes how kelp forests are constantly changing
Island Visions pages 240-241
Comprehension Worksheet
Suggested Duration: 10 minutes self-guided exploration (or as homework)
Explain
Class Discussion: Nature is Change
Students will discuss how the changes in kelp forests over time might impact the skyscraper residents.
Discussion Guide
Suggested Duration: 20 minutes
Elaborate
Activity: Build Your Skyscraper
Students will chose another ecosystem, and build their own skyscraper to illustrate the relationships between its residents
Activity Guide
Suggested Duration: 3 hours (some can be completed as homework)
Evaluate
Class Discussion: Fragile Neighborhoods
Students will discuss how natural and human-caused threats might impact the skyscrapers that the students have drawn, as well as what impacts might threaten all ecosystem skyscrapers.
Discussion Guide
Suggested Duration: 30 minutes
