By balancing their ecosystem, otters are playing a role in the fight against climate change. Students learn about the connection between sea otters, sea urchins and kelp forests and understand the importance of a balanced ecosystem in the struggle to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
In examining the relationship among sea otters, kelp, sea urchins and climate change, students have an opportunity to practice those skills associated with system thinking.
Sea Otters vs Climate Change provides a model for investigating the interdependence that characterizes ecosystems and the larger concept of system thinking. The video is accompanied by a list of curriculum standards that link the content to various topics, preview and postview questions, and a lesson plan on understanding climate change.
The video may support the investigation of a number of curriculum topics from grades 7-12. These include:
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