Experiment Reveals Future Cost of Climate Change
Provided by: Connecticut Sea Grant|Published on: May 24, 2024
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Biology
Authors: Judy Benson
Region: North America, USA - Northeast, United States, Connecticut, Coastal CT
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article details an experiment performed at UConn Avery Point using Long Island Sound copepods to determine how increasing temperatures and carbon levels will impact the copepods as the climate changes.
- Students will learn what this experiment implies for the ecosystem that depends on copepods and how increased carbon and temperatures affect the zooplankton singularly and in conjunction.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- Full-color images and diagrams of copepods will keep students interested and engaged.
- Overall, the article has a hopeful tone, keeping students from becoming anxious over the changing climate.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should understand climate change and how human activity has accelerated it.
- It may benefit students to know the basics of ocean acidification.
- Some students may need the terms oceanographer, acidification, adaptation, and others defined before they read the article.
Differentiation
- Teachers can make math connections by having students analyze the graph on page 2.
- If possible, students can look at plankton under a microscope or watch a video to better visualize the organisms studied in the experiment.
- Students can create food webs and discuss the potential impacts on the ecosystem if copepods become extinct.
- This article can introduce the broader topic of the impacts of rising temperatures or ocean acidification on the marine ecosystem.
This resource provides insights into the impact of climate change on copepod populations and how the current level of ocean acidification and warming could stress these vital zooplankton. We reviewed the resource thoroughly, and it has passed our science credibility process.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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