reviving giants lesson package
Lesson Introduction
Welcome to the "Exploring Giant Kelp Ecosystems" lesson series. This online course provides an immersive experience for Year 7 and 8 students, allowing them to explore the unique ecosystems of Tasmania’s giant kelp forests through interactive activities, videos, and research tasks. Students will engage in self-paced learning, with opportunities to work individually or in groups, while documenting their findings in their workbooks or digital documents.
Resource Package Links
Student link for online course: www.greatsouthernreef.com/reviving-giants-lesson
Video links:
Reviving Giants (10 minutes)
The Hidden Value of Kelp (5 minutes)
Green Gravel (5 minutes)
Student worksheet
Google doc (student to ‘create a copy’
Microsoft Word
Printable PDF
Additional student Links
Additional teacher links
Survey spreadsheet template (Excel) (Google Sheet)
Learning Intentions
Students will:
Understand the structural and functional differences between kelp and terrestrial plants.
Recognise the importance of kelp forests as key marine habitats.
Develop skills in research, critical thinking, and ecological analysis.
Investigate the impact of environmental changes on kelp forests,
Explore the socioeconomic and cultural importance of kelp forests.
Success Criteria
Students can:
Identify and describe the key components of a giant kelp.
Explain the ecological role of kelp forests and their significance in marine environments.
Present their research findings through clear, well-organised visual aids.
Analyse and interpret data related to kelp forest ecosystems
Evaluate the impact of human activities on kelp forests and propose conservation strategies
Year 7 curriculum links
Science as a Human Endeavour – Nature and Development of Science
AC9S7H01: Explain how new evidence or different perspectives can lead to changes in scientific knowledge.
Science as a Human Endeavour – Use and Influence of Science
AC9S7H04: Explore the role of science communication in informing individual viewpoints and community policies and regulations.
Science Inquiry – Processing, Modelling and Analysing
AC9S7I04: Select and construct appropriate representations, including tables, graphs, models, and mathematical relationships, to organise and process data and information.
AC9S7I05: Analyse data and information to describe patterns, trends, and relationships and identify anomalies.
Science Inquiry – Evaluating
AC9S7I07: Construct evidence-based arguments to support conclusions or evaluate claims and consider any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with using or citing secondary data or information.
Science Inquiry – Communicating
AC9S7I08: Write and create texts to communicate ideas, findings, and arguments for specific purposes and audiences, including the selection of appropriate language and text features, using digital tools as appropriate.
Year 8 curriculum links
Science as a Human Endeavour – Nature and Development of Science
AC9S8H01: Explain how new evidence or different perspectives can lead to changes in scientific knowledge.
Science as a Human Endeavour – Use and Influence of Science
AC9S8H04: Explore the role of science communication in informing individual viewpoints and community policies and regulations.
Science Inquiry – Processing, Modelling and Analysing
AC9S8I04: Select and construct appropriate representations, including tables, graphs, models, and mathematical relationships, to organise and process data and information.
AC9S8I05: Analyse data and information to describe patterns, trends, and relationships and identify anomalies.
Science Inquiry – Evaluating
AC9S8I07: Construct evidence-based arguments to support conclusions or evaluate claims and consider any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with using or citing secondary data or information.
Science Inquiry – Communicating
AC9S8I08: Write and create texts to communicate ideas, findings, and arguments for specific purposes and audiences, including the selection of appropriate language and text features, using digital tools as appropriate.
Teaching sequence
1. Lesson Introduction
Overview:
Begin by introducing the lesson series on giant kelp. Explain that this is a self-paced learning module where students will watch videos, engage in research, and complete activities.
Highlight that students can work individually or in groups and must record their answers in their workbooks or a digital document. Point out the icons used in the materials to indicate where answers are required.
There is a total of 25 questions + extensions to answer but you may like to allocate only a fraction of the questions or activities, depending on the timing you have available.
2. Background: Know Your Seaweeds
Introduction to the Great Southern Reef (GSR):
Start by explaining the GSR as a unique temperate reef system that is different from tropical coral reefs. Use the map provided to show the extent of the GSR.
Focus on the importance of giant kelp forests, particularly those in Tasmania.
Activity: Exploring Giant Kelp Distribution
Direct students to visit the iNaturalist page for giant kelp. Guide them to explore the map and record answers to questions about where giant kelp is found in Australia and globally.
Circulate the room to assist with any technical difficulties and to ensure that students are correctly interpreting the map.
3. Exploring the Ocean with SCUBA Diving
Introduction to SCUBA Diving:
Discuss the role of SCUBA diving in marine research and conservation. Explain key concepts such as the meaning of SCUBA and the various careers that require diving skills.
Encourage students to think about which SCUBA diving-related careers interest them and why.
Activity: Researching SCUBA Diving Careers
Have students research the provided questions about SCUBA diving, focusing on licensing, depth limits, underwater duration, and careers.
Instruct students to select one profession and complete the associated table, detailing job responsibilities, required training, necessary equipment, and potential challenges.
Offer guidance as needed, particularly for students who may struggle with the research component.
4. Film Viewing: Reviving Giants
Watching the Film:
Introduce the film Reviving Giants and instruct students to watch it using the provided QR code or link.
Ask students to take notes during the film, focusing on key characters, marine species, and the role of SCUBA diving.
After the film, facilitate a discussion to help students reflect on what they learned. Encourage them to share interesting points and any questions they may have about the content.
5. Kelp Form and Function
Activity: Understanding Kelp Anatomy
Guide students through the process of identifying and describing the function of different parts of the kelp, such as the pneumatocyst, blade, stipe, holdfast, and frond.
Encourage students to think about the challenges kelp face in their natural environment, such as ocean currents and temperature changes.
Check for understanding by reviewing their explanations and providing feedback.
6. Rainforest and Kelp Forest Comparison
Activity: Comparing Ecosystems
Explain the importance of comparing different ecosystems to understand their unique characteristics and shared features.
Instruct students to complete the provided table comparing rainforests and kelp forests, focusing on ecosystem type, location, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and threats.
Engage students in a discussion about their findings, encouraging them to think critically about the similarities and differences between these two ecosystems.
7. Hidden Value of Kelp
Activity: Exploring Ecosystem Services
Introduce the concept of ecosystem services and their categories: provisioning, regulating, cultural, and habitat services.
Guide students to watch the video on ecosystem services using the QR code or link, and then have them list the benefits that kelp forests provide to their community.
Instruct students to categorise these benefits into the appropriate ecosystem service category. For advanced learners, encourage further exploration by comparing these services with those of other marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs.
8. Giant Kelp Threats
Activity: Understanding the Decline of Kelp Forests
Discuss the significant threats facing giant kelp forests, including climate change, lack of nutrients, and tropicalisation.
Have students match definitions to terms related to these threats and then describe in their own words how each factor impacts kelp forests.
Use this opportunity to clarify any misconceptions and ensure students understand the broader implications of these environmental changes.
9. Restoration
Activity: Exploring Restoration Efforts
Introduce the concept of kelp restoration, using the example from Reviving Giants where baby kelp were grown in a lab and planted in the wild.
Discuss the factors that make location selection critical for successful restoration.
Have students watch the video on Golden Kelp restoration using Green Gravel method and record details about the restoration activities, including location, focus species, project size, community engagement, results, and future work.
Assist students in completing a table with information on various restoration projects across the Great Southern Reef, ensuring they understand the scope and impact of these efforts. They may use this restoration linkpage to help as well as the restoration page on the GSRF website.
10. Social Research Project
Activity: Conducting a Social Research Project
Explain the importance of understanding public perception in conservation efforts. Guide students through the process of conducting interviews with family, friends, or the school community about their knowledge of kelp forests.
Ensure students understand how to record responses, maintain anonymity, and analyse the data collected.
Use spreadsheet template to help collate data from the class.
Instruct students to visualise their data using graphs or tables and to compare the public’s perceptions with factual information. Assist them in creating an infographic to present their findings, and guide them through a reflection on what they learned from the activity.
11. Classroom Debate
Activity: Participating in a Debate
Introduce the concept of stakeholders and explain the different roles that students will assume in the debate (e.g., marine scientists, local community representatives).
Guide students in researching their stakeholder’s perspective, focusing on the impacts of kelp forest decline and the benefits of restoration.
Assist students in preparing their arguments, ensuring they have at least two strong points to present.
Facilitate the classroom debate, encouraging respectful discussion and critical thinking. After the debate, lead a discussion on how different stakeholders can work together to achieve the best outcomes for kelp forest restoration.
12. Ocean Optimism
Activity: Creating a Classroom Action Plan
Emphasise the importance of optimism and proactive action in environmental conservation. Guide students in developing a classroom action plan focused on preserving kelp forests.
Encourage students to brainstorm actions they can take, such as promoting sustainable practices or raising awareness in their community.
Help them break down each action into manageable steps and consider the resources they’ll need.
Facilitate a discussion on potential challenges and guide students in brainstorming solutions. Encourage collaboration and creative problem-solving.
13. Reflection and Glossary
Reflection:
Conclude the lesson series by encouraging students to reflect on what they’ve learned. Discuss the importance of giant kelp forests and their role in the broader context of environmental conservation.
Ask students to consider how their understanding of marine ecosystems has evolved and how they can apply this knowledge in the future.
Glossary Review:
Review the key terms from the glossary with the students, ensuring they understand important concepts related to marine ecology and kelp forests. Use this as an opportunity to reinforce learning and clarify any remaining questions.
Discussion points
The Role of Kelp Forests in Carbon Sequestration: Discuss how kelp forests contribute to carbon sequestration by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass. Consider how this process helps mitigate climate change.
The Impact of Marine Heatwaves on Ecosystems: Explore the concept of marine heatwaves and their effect on kelp forests, including increased susceptibility to disease and reduced reproductive success.
.The Importance of Biodiversity in Kelp Forests: Discuss the role of biodiversity in maintaining the resilience of kelp forests, including how a diverse range of species supports ecosystem stability and productivity.
Cultural Significance of Kelp Forests: Explore the cultural and historical significance of kelp forests to Indigenous peoples and coastal communities. Discuss how these forests have been used traditionally and how their loss impacts cultural practices.
The Future of Kelp Forest Conservation: Consider the future of kelp forest conservation in the context of advancing technology, policy changes, and global environmental trends.
Human Impact: Explore how activities like overfishing or pollution may alter these ecosystems and discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of human intervention.
Assessment Ideas
Formative: During research phases, ask probing questions to assess students' understanding of kelp ecology and conservation.
Summative: Evaluate students' final projects, focusing on the accuracy of information, the effectiveness of communication, and the creativity in their presentations.
Differentiation
For Advanced Learners: Encourage them to explore the long-term impacts of climate change on kelp ecosystems and propose innovative solutions.
For Struggling Students: Provide partially completed worksheets and templates to guide them through the research and project creation process.
Misconceptions
Clarify that kelp, though plant-like, is an algae and does not have the same structure as terrestrial plants.
Emphasise that the loss of giant kelp forests has a significant impact on marine biodiversity, far beyond just the immediate area.
Cross-curricular links
Geography (Year 7-8):
ACHGK037: Investigate the physical characteristics and processes of marine environments, including the Great Southern Reef, and how these influence the distribution of marine species and ecosystems.
ACHGK042: Explore the interactions between human activities and the environment, focusing on the impacts of pollution, overfishing, and climate change on marine ecosystems like kelp forests.
Civics and Citizenship (Year 7-8):
ACHCK052: Explore the role of community policies and regulations in environmental conservation, focusing on how scientific research on kelp forests can inform policymaking and public awareness campaigns.
English (Year 7-8):
ACELY1720: Develop oral communication skills by presenting research findings and conservation strategies related to kelp forests in a clear and engaging manner.
ACELY1719: Enhance written communication by creating informative and persuasive texts, such as reports or essays, that discuss the importance of kelp forests and the need for their conservation.