Lesson 4: Exploring Aquatic Biomes
Duration of Days: 4
Lesson Objective
Compare the physical characteristics and typical biological communities of marine biomes (intertidal, coral reef, abyssal) and freshwater biomes (lentic vs. lotic).
Why do we find coral reefs near the equator but not in the Arctic? How does salt concentration determine who lives where?
HS-LS2-6 (Ecosystem dynamics and resilience).
Data interpretation (Species diversity vs. salt concentration graphs).
Using STEAM stations, students explore the diverse biomes of Earth, focusing on the interstitial spaces like estuaries where freshwater and saltwater meet.
(DOK 2)
See "Materials / Resources / Text / Speakers" field
Correct identification of ocean geographic areas (e.g., continental shelf) and light layers (e.g., dysphotic zone) on a vertical model. Students must demonstrate organisms and characteristics based on the geographic area, the biome, or the light zone and provide Biological Justification.
MPS DIFFERENTIATION STRATEGIES
text, article, computer