Description
In this investigation, students experimentally observe and evaluate the influence of climate patterns on the distribution of species. To model this phenomenon, students expose cultures of mixed protists to different temperatures for a period of 3 days. They make daily temperature recordings and assess the taxonomic diversity of samples. Students graphically present their findings and analyze the results through summative assessment questions.
Time Requirement
Teacher prep, 20 minutes. Pre-lab, 15 minutes. Investigation and assessment, approximately 4 class periods.
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Crosscutting Concepts
Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
Science and Engineering Practices
Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Learning Objectives
- Classify protists based on their morphology.
- Collect temperature and taxonomic data and describe any trends observed.
- Evaluate the effect of changing temperature on the survival of various protists.
- Discuss how a small change in climate can affect numerous species in an ecosystem.
- Estimate population size and observe and graph population trends.
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should have basic knowledge of the difference between weather and climate. They should know how to use a microscope and have basic familiarity with the morphology and diverse ecological roles of protists.