STUDENT MATERIALS
How vulnerable is my community to the threat of an algal bloom?
“Wonder Why – Overnight Algal Blooms”
In this activity, you will look at and wonder about “before” and “after” algal bloom photos.
“What Is Algae?”
In this activity, you will learn basic facts about algae by playing a true/false learning game. After playing the game, you will review what you have learned by watching a video.
“What Happens Next? Eutrophication”
In this activity, you will make predictions about the eutrophication process based on what you have already learned about algae. As you watch a video about eutrophication, you will make your predictions about the different steps in the process using the provided handout.
“Eutrophication Explained” video
“Eutrophication Process” predictions handout
“Algal Blooms in My State”
In this activity, you will study water testing data related to algal blooms in this state. You will complete one of the activities listed below (one will be assigned to you) and then report back to a partner about what you learned.
Nebraska Algal Bloom Testing Data
The Harmful Effects of Algal Blooms
In this activity, you will discover how algal blooms threaten the health of both animals and humans. First, you will read one of the articles from the first list below (your choice). Then, as you discuss what you read as a class, you will reference a list of symptoms related to toxic algal blooms. Finally, you will read one of the articles from the second list below (assigned).
Articles – List #1
Articles – List #2
“Round Robin – The Indirect Effects of Algal Blooms”
In this activity, you will brainstorm about the indirect effects of algal blooms. At the end of the activity, to supplement your understanding of the topic, you will read the articles listed below.
“Identifying Toxic Algae”
In this activity, you will learn how to distinguish between harmful and harmless types of freshwater algae. First, you will watch a video about different types of algae and fill out the first section of a corresponding handout. Then, you will watch a video about the “stick test” and fill out the rest of your handout.
“Algae Corner: How to Identify Different Algae Types” video
“EGLE Classroom: Identifying Harmful Algal Blooms”
“Measuring Algal Bloom Risks – Writing a Procedure”
In this activity, you will create a procedure for testing water for algal bloom preconditions. You will base your procedure on the provided sources.