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Aquaculture Lesson (MS/HS) – 2. Ocean Chemistry

Download This Full Lesson: MH Lesson 2 Ocean Chemistry

Lesson Description:

Kelp aquaculture is a new and growing industry in Maine. Because kelp is a macroalgae, it requires different growing conditions than shellfish or finfish. Many kelp aquaculturists start growing kelp in a laboratory setting and set out the seeds in the fall. Over the winter, the kelp grows and is ready to harvest in early spring. Kelp is unique in that it absorbs nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and carbon dioxide (CO2), all of which are harmful to the environment in excess amounts. Once the kelp is … view full description & alignments

Aquaculture Lesson (MS/HS) – 1. Oceanography 101

Download This Full Lesson: Aquaculture Oceanography 101

Lesson Description: Oceanography is a broad field focused on the interconnections between geology, geography, geophysics, physics, chemistry, geochemistry, mathematics, meteorology, botany, and zoology. Because the field is so large, it has been broken down into a number of sub-disciplines. Through this lesson, students will gain a better understanding of the physical structure of the Gulf of Maine (GoM) including the unique semi-enclosed shape of the Gulf, freshwater input, currents, tidal action, and water temperature.

The final product of this lesson will be a diagram modeling the many elements that make the GoM … view full description & alignments

Aquaculture Lesson (MS/HS) – 4. Seaweed vs Plants

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Lesson Description: Seaweeds have been harvested and used throughout the world for centuries and are highly valued in many countries today.  The U.S. is just now discovering the many health benefits seaweeds provide and there is a shift towards kelp aquaculture. But what are seaweeds? Are they water plants or a species of their own? How are seaweeds used in today’s society? In this lesson, students will investigate these questions. To begin the lesson, the teacher will introduce the differences between seaweeds and land plants, followed by a microscope lab exercise where … view full description & alignments

Aquaculture Lesson (MS/HS) – 3. Marine Ecosystems

Download This Full Lesson: Marine Ecosystems

Lesson Description: Students will gain a better understanding of the intricacies within the Gulf of Maine marine ecosystem after completing this lesson.  A classic example of how small changes can affect an entire ecosystem is the sea urchin-kelp story in Maine. Following the collapse of the cod fishery in Maine, green sea urchin populations exploded. The ecosystem became an urchin-dominated system. In the 1980s, fishermen discovered the high value of harvesting sea urchins and the aggressive overharvesting of the green sea urchin resulted in massive declines along the coast.  Because urchins are grazers … view full description & alignments