How Do Some Algae Make the Earth Warmer?
Videos
Grades6-APChemistry, Biology, English Language Arts
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Provided by Science Journal for Kids
What it is
- This lesson has students read a simplified scientific paper that details research about algae that also produce nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas.
- Students read the paper, answer comprehension questions, and watch a video to learn about the effects of increased nitrogen in aquatic environments and on the climate.
Teaching tips
Positives
- Walking students through the background information, methodology, and conclusions, the article allows them to practice and prepare for reading actual academic papers.
- This lesson is a great way for students to see how the scientific method is applied in research.
- The resource includes additional lesson plans, related articles, and a glossary of key terms.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should have a basic understanding of biology and chemistry.
- Aside from the video, this lesson can be completed offline by printing the article.
Differentiation
- The article is available in both upper and lower reading levels. The article for lower reading levels may be best for younger students and students unfamiliar with basic biology and chemistry.
- It may be helpful for some students to use the audio version of the article (the first video).
- Some terms like genetic, microbes, and ecosystems may need to be defined for younger students before or after watching the video.
- Ecology classes can use this paper to connect to topics such as eutrophication and the nitrogen cycle.
- For similar resources, see this lesson on preparing for droughts and this lesson on how whales are affected by climate change.
From the scientist review
While all photosynthetic algae sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, some algae actually produce nitrous oxide, an even stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. This research looks at what kind of algae and in what kind of environment produces nitrous oxide. This resource is recommended for teaching.
How we review resourcesReady to use it?
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