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Description
The activities provided in this resource have the goal of helping students become passionate about Canada’s oceans, raise awareness of conservation issues, and bring Canada’s oceans just a little bit closer to home. The portion of the resource that is for secondary level has two well designed activities to familiarize students to biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems.
The first activity, Ready, Set, Fish is a simulation game where students will examine the conflicts in creating a sustainable fishery – balancing the economic needs of people with the health of the ocean. Through this activity students will:
- learn that sustainability is the ability to balance the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
- assess the impact of overfishing and its impact on sustainability in an aquatic ecosystem
- identify major contemporary environmental challenges, and explain their causes and effects
- analyse social and economic issues related to overfishing and sustainable fishing
During the second activity, Dissolving in an ocean of acid, students will examine how adding CO2 to water makes an acidic solution, and observe how calcium carbonate behaves in water with different levels of acidity. Through this activity, students will:
- assess the impact of ocean acidification on coral reef ecosystems
- analyse how an understanding of the properties of chemical substances and their reactions can be applied to solve environmental challenges
- analyse the impact that climate change might have on the diversity of living things
- prepare solutions of a given concentration by diluting a concentrated solution
- investigate the process of acid–base neutralization
General Assessment
What skills does this resource explicitly teach?
- Lab safety rules
- Using an electronic balance
- Using an indicator to find the pH of a solution
- Creating a line graph or a bar graph
- prepare solutions of a given concentration by diluting a concentrated solution
Strengths
- A glossary of terms is provided
- Every lesson is extremely well explained and all activities are complete
- All reproductibles are included in the resources
- Curriculum expectation and learning goals for the lesson are clearly enumerated
- Activities can help students attain outcomes in Math, Biology and Chemistry
- Extension activities are provided for all activities in this resource
- Each activity in this resource comes with a wealth of background information
Weaknesses
- A lot of lab materials are needed to complete the second activity
- No assessment materials are provided
- No action plan is in place in this resource
Recommendation of how and where to use it
This resource is a great way to build understanding of the concept of biodiversity and sustainability of an ecosystem in Science or Biology classes, students will also need to make graphs, and present their data so it is a good way to incorporate Math data outcomes. Also, the second activity connects well to the idea of chemical reactions in Chemistry classes.
Relevant Curriculum Units
The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.
- Step 1Select a province
- Alberta
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Knowlege And Employability: Patterns and Relations
- Knowlege And Employability: Statistics and Probability
- Patterns and Relations
- Statistics and Probability
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Biological Diversity
- Knowledge and Employability Science: Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- Grade 10
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Math 10C: Relations and Functions
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 10-4 (Knowledge and Employability Science): Investigating Matter and Energy in Environmental Systems
- Science 10-4 (Knowledge and Employability Science):Investigating Properties of Matter
- Science 10: Energy and Matter in Chemical Change
- Science 14: Investigating Properties of Matter
- Science 14:Investigating Matter and Energy in the Environment
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Biology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Biology 20: Ecosystems and Population Change
- Chemistry
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemistry 20: Matter as Solutions, Acids and Bases
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 20: Changes in Living Systems
- Science 24:Applications of Matter and Chemical Change
- Grade 12
- British Columbia
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Analyzing the validity, reliability, and representation of data enables us to compare and interpret.
- Continuous linear relationships can be identified and represented in many connected ways to identify regularities and make generalizations
- Grade 10
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-calculus: Constant rate of change is an essential attribute of linear relations and has meaning in different representations and contexts.
- Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-calculus: Representing and analyzing situations allows us to notice and wonder about relations.
- Workplace Mathematics: Representing and analyzing data allows us to notice and wonder about relationships
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemical processes require energy change as atoms are rearranged
- Energy is conserved and its transformation can affect living things and the environment
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Chemistry
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemistry 11: Solubility within a solution is determined by the nature of the solute and the solvent
- Chemistry 11:Matter and energy are conserved in chemical reactions.
- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environmental Science 11: Changing ecosystems are maintained by natural processes.
- Environmental Science 11: Complex roles and relationships contribute to diversity of ecosystems
- Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
- Grade 12
- Step 3Select a subject
- Chemistry
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemistry 12: Acid or base strength depends on the degree of ion dissociation
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
- Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland & Labrador
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Patterns and Relations
- Statistics & Probability
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Biology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Biology 2201: Ecosystem Interactions and Population Dynamics
- Chemistry
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemistry 2202: From Structures to Properties
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Mathematics 2204/2205 :Statistics
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Science 2200: Ecosytems
- Grade 12
- Northwest Territories
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Analyzing the validity, reliability, and representation of data enables us to compare and interpret.
- Continuous linear relationships can be identified and represented in many connected ways to identify regularities and make generalizations
- Grade 10
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-calculus: Constant rate of change is an essential attribute of linear relations and has meaning in different representations and contexts.
- Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-calculus: Representing and analyzing situations allows us to notice and wonder about relations.
- Workplace Mathematics: Representing and analyzing data allows us to notice and wonder about relationships
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemical processes require energy change as atoms are rearranged
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Biology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Biology 20: Ecosystems and Population Change
- Chemistry
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemistry 20: Matter as Solutions, Acids and Bases
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Experiential Science 20, Marine Systems: Habitats, Population Dynamics and Management
- Experiential Science 20, Marine Systems: Introduction to Oceanography
- Experiential Science 20, Marine Systems: Ocean Ecology
- Science 20-4:Applications of Matter and Chemical Change
- Science 20: Changes in Living Systems
- Science 24: Applications of Matter and Chemical Change
- Grade 12
- Nova Scotia
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Patterns and Relations
- Statistics and Probability
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
- Step 3Select a subject
- Biology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- AP Biology: Ecology
- Biology 12: Evolution, Change and Diversity
- Chemistry
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemistry 12: Acids and Bases
- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- AP Environmental Science: Global Change
- AP Environmental Science: The Living World: Biodiversity
- Nunavut
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Knowlege And Employability: Patterns and Relations
- Knowlege And Employability: Statistics and Probability
- Patterns and Relations
- Statistics and Probability
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Biological Diversity
- Knowledge and Employability Science: Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
- Grade 10
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Math 10C: Foundations of Mathematics & Pre- Calculus:Relations & Functions
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Investigating Properties of Matter
- Experiential Science 10, Terrestial Systems: Resource Management and Population Dynamics
- Science 10-4 (Knowledge and Employability Science): Investigating Matter and Energy in Environmental Systems
- Science 10: Energy and Matter in Chemical Change
- Science 14
- Science 14: Investigating Matter and Energy in the Environment
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Chemistry
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Matter as Solutions, Acids and Bases
- Quantitative Relationships in Chemical Changes
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Mathematics (Apprenticeship and Workplace Math):Statistics
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Experiential Science 20, Marine Systems: Habitats, Population Dynamics and Management
- Experiential Science 20, Marine Systems: Introduction to Oceanography
- Experiential Science 20, Marine Systems: Ocean Ecology
- Science 20: Changes in Living Systems
- Science 24:Applications of Matter and Chemical Change
- Grade 12
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Arithmetic & Algebra
- Statistics & Probability
- Grade 10
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Statistics and probability
- Science & Technology
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Applied Science & Technology:The Living World
- Environmental Science & Technology: The Living World
- Science & Technology:The Living World
- Science and the Environment: The Living World
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon Territory
- Step 2Select a grade level
- Grade 9
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Analyzing the validity, reliability, and representation of data enables us to compare and interpret.
- Continuous linear relationships can be identified and represented in many connected ways to identify regularities and make generalizations
- Grade 10
- Step 3Select a subject
- Math
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-calculus: Constant rate of change is an essential attribute of linear relations and has meaning in different representations and contexts.
- Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-calculus: Representing and analyzing situations allows us to notice and wonder about relations.
- Workplace Mathematics: Representing and analyzing data allows us to notice and wonder about relationships
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemical processes require energy change as atoms are rearranged
- Energy is conserved and its transformation can affect living things and the environment
- Grade 11
- Step 3Select a subject
- Chemistry
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemistry 11: Solubility within a solution is determined by the nature of the solute and the solvent
- Chemistry 11:Matter and energy are conserved in chemical reactions.
- Environmental Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Environmental Science 11: Changing ecosystems are maintained by natural processes.
- Environmental Science 11: Complex roles and relationships contribute to diversity of ecosystems
- Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
- Grade 12
- Step 3Select a subject
- Chemistry
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Chemistry 12: Acid or base strength depends on the degree of ion dissociation
- Science
- Step 4Relevant matches
- Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
- Specialized Science 12: Chemical reactions are due to energy changes that result from the breaking and re-formation of bonds
- Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health
Themes Addressed
Ecosystems (2)
- Biodiversity
- Habitat Loss
Land Use & Natural Resources (1)
- Fisheries
Water (1)
- Marine Environments
Sustainability Education Principles
| Principle | Rating | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Consideration of Alternative Perspectives | Very Good | Students themselves get to take part in simulations on the subject so they can form their own opinions and take informed positions. |
Consideration of Alternative Perspectives:
| ||
| Multiple Dimensions of Problems & Solutions | Very Good | Some of the learning objectives of this resource are to identify major contemporary environmental challenges, and explain their causes and effects and to analyse social and economic issues related to overfishing and sustainable fishing. |
| Multiple Dimensions of Problems & Solutions: Effectively addresses the environmental, economic and social dimensions of the issue(s) being explored.
| ||
| Respects Complexity | Good | |
| Respects Complexity: The complexity of the problems/issues being discussed is respected. | ||
| Acting on Learning | Poor/Not considered | No action opportunities are included in this resource. |
| Acting on Learning: Learning moves from understanding issues to working towards positive change — in personal lifestyle, in school, in the community, or for the planet
| ||
| Values Education | Very Good | Each activity has a reflection at the end and the students are given the opportunity to reflect and express their opinions on the issues that have been discussed. |
| Values Education: Students are explicitly provided with opportunities to identify, clarify and express their own beliefs/values. | ||
| Empathy & Respect for Humans | Poor/Not considered | This is not considered in this resource. |
| Empathy & Respect for Humans: Empathy and respect are fostered for diverse groups of humans (including different genders, ethnic groups, sexual preferences, etc.). | ||
| Personal Affinity with Earth | Good | The intent of these activities is to help students become passionate about Canada’s oceans, raise awareness of conservation issues, and bring Canada’s oceans just a little bit closer to home. |
| Personal Affinity with Earth: Encourages a personal affinity with -the natural world.
| ||
| Locally-Focused Learning | Satisfactory | While the resource talks about Canada's oceans, depending on where the students are from that could be either close or far from home. |
| Locally-Focused Learning: Includes learning experiences that take advantage of issues/elements within the local community.
| ||
| Past, Present & Future | Good | |
| Past, Present & Future: Promotes an understanding of the past, a sense of the present, and a positive vision for the future. | ||
Pedagogical Approaches
| Principle | Rating | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Open-Ended Instruction | Good | Each activity comes with a set of reflection questions that students answer based on the simulations that they did. |
| Open-Ended Instruction
: Lessons are structured so that multiple/complex answers are possible; students are not steered toward one 'right' answer. | ||
| Integrated Learning | Good | Through these activities, students can attain objectives from Math through graphing, biology through biodiversity, and chemistry through understanding how the properties of chemical substances and their reactions can be applied to solve environmental challenges. |
| Integrated Learning: Learning brings together content and skills from more than one subject area
| ||
| Inquiry Learning | Poor/Not considered | |
| Inquiry Learning: Learning is directed by questions, problems, or challenges that students work to address.
| ||
| Differentiated Instruction | Good | The difference in the activities of this resource addresses the needs of visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners. Unfortunately, there is no strategies for learners with difficulties. |
| Differentiated Instruction: Activities address a range of student learning styles, abilities and readiness.
| ||
| Experiential Learning | Satisfactory | Both activities in this resource are hands-on simulations of what is happening in Canada's oceans. |
| Experiential Learning: Authentic learning experiences are provided
| ||
| Cooperative Learning | Satisfactory | It is suggested that students work in groups of two to four. |
| Cooperative Learning: Group and cooperative learning strategies are a priority.
| ||
| Assessment & Evaluation | Satisfactory | No actual assessment tools are provided, but students have some reflection questions to answer that could be used to assess students understanding of the problem. |
| Assessment & Evaluation: Tools are provided that help students and teachers to capture formative and summative information about students' learning and performance. These tools may include reflection questions, checklists, rubrics, etc. | ||
| Peer Teaching | Poor/Not considered | Peer teaching is not a focus in this resource beyond cooperative learning discussion taking place within pairs or small groups. |
| Peer Teaching: Provides opportunities for students to actively present their knowledge and skills to peers and/or act as teachers and mentors.
| ||
| Case Studies | Poor/Not considered | There are no case studies included in this resource. |
| Case Studies: Relevant case studies are included. Case studies are thorough descriptions of real events from real situations that students use to explore concepts in an authentic context. | ||
| Locus of Control | Satisfactory | Extension activities are provided for both activities so students could choose to dive deeper into the subject if they wanted to. |
| Locus of Control: Meaningful opportunities are provided for students to choose elements of program content, the medium in which they wish to work, and/or to go deeper into a chosen issue. | ||
