Where There is Water, There is Life
Microbes, specifically diatoms are not only abundant in all ecosystems on Earth but have a profound impact on the functioning of the Earth as a system. Understanding and identifying diatoms becomes important to determine the success of the ecosystem. Humans also have a profound impact on the environment by transporting alien species through tourism and scientific research expeditions. Students will be exploring what endemic and cosmopolitan species are on a local, regional and global scale using a variety of activities and technology. Students will also explore the positive and negative roles humans play in changing an ecosystem.
Authors: Olivia Jern, Alia Thompson; EARTH 2016
Lesson Resources
- Lesson Plan | Presentation
- Diatom Morphology Cards (Word | PDF)
- Identifying Endemic and Cosmopolitan Diatoms (Word | PDF)
- Native (Endemic) vs Invasive (Cosmopolitan) Species
- Alien Species Invading Antarctica CC Questions
- Environmental Policy Memo Origami Fortune Teller | Rubric
