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Investigate an algal bloom scenario and in the process explore factors that affect the carrying capacity of ecosystems. This high school laboratory investigation includes enough materials for 10 lab groups. Carolina Kits 3D®Labs that use phenomena to support NGSS and 3-dimensional instruction. Includes a voucher to request perishable materials later at your convenience.
Product Details
An algal bloom scenario serves as the investigative phenomenon that students are tasked with explaining. To make sense of the phenomenon, students investigate growth in algae populations maintained in different concentrations of nutrient solution. Over the course of the investigation, students conduct experiments and analyze data to answer the driving question, “What effect will different nutrient concentrations have on the carrying capacity of algal populations?”
Time Requirement
Teacher prep before each component of the lab, 20 to 30 minutes (a total of approximately 100 minutes). Pre-lab, investigation 1, investigation 2 set up, and analysis, approximately 50 minutes each. Note: Investigation 2 requires 5 minutes of data collection 3 times a week for 3 weeks.
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher’s manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Performance Expectation(s)
HS-LS2-1
HS-LS2-7
Crosscutting Concepts
Systems and System Models
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Science and Engineering Practices
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Learning Objectives
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should know why energy is important to living things. They should have a basic understanding of the energy dynamics of photosynthesis and cellular respiration; and have a degree of familiarity with food chains and common components of a biological community in aquatic ecosystems.