Wildlife Conservation Center Aquarium 7th Grade:
Save
the Whales (And the fish, and the algae, and the echinoderms, and the...)
(A
trip to the Aquarium to learn about conservation and ecology)
Grade Level: 7th
Learning
standard:
Students
will learn about how the living environment, specifically the ocean, is being
threatened by pollution, and about the many things that can be done to reduce
the harm caused by pollution. They will also learn about stewardship and responsibility
for the environment.
Time
requirements:
Approximately
40 minutes preparation time, one school day for the field trip, and 40 minutes
class time after returning to the class (although several class periods of
follow-up lessons can be added on to the one described here).
Topics
covered by this lesson:
Ecology,
conservation, marine biology.
Pre-Visit:
Before
the visit, students should prepare by researching the various ways in which
pollution is affecting the environment in a negative way. Each student should
focus on one detrimental effect of pollution, and on planning a strategy that
can be implemented on a local level (perhaps even by the children at the school)
to reduce the harm caused by the pollution. A presentation board should be
made by each student, describing the targeted form of pollution, how this
is harming living creatures, and what can be done to prevent the pollution
or reduce its harmful effects.
At
the aquarium:
As
you tour several exhibits (of your choice) be prepared to discuss the ways
in which pollution has had a negative effect on each of the organisms viewed.
This information might even be provided at the discovery cove, where aquarium
personnel might be happy to describe the problems caused by pollution in the
oceans while the children touch and learn about the sea creatures that they
are learning to conserve.
After
visiting the exhibits, take the group out to the beach and help to clean up
the environment by collecting trash that people have left or that has washed
up on the beach. This is also a good time to view sea creatures that might
be found on the coastline. Bring a sample of the trash back to school. (you
will parental consent forms, gloves and, bags)
Post-visit:
Have
a party to celebrate the positive impact that your class has had on the environment.
The theme should be conservation, and trash should be recycled. The trash
you brought back can be displayed at the party, along with a message detailing
how your class helped the environment.
MSTEP
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