Teacher Resource

Overview/Summary

Students will gain an understanding of the term biodiversity by investigating some samples of biofouling communities collected from the Inner Harbor water of the Chesapeake Bay.

Identify some Chesapeake Bay macroinvertebrates. Perform a biodiversity index to estimate the diversity of the biofouling community. Increase their awareness of the scientific research being performed to better understand biofilm interactions with biofouling communities.

Grade Level: 8 - 12

Time Required: on-line activity, one class period

Students:
Groups in class or individual on-line

Science Topics:
Marine Science, Microbiology, Biology, Math

Math Topics:
General Mathematics, Algebra

Materials Required:
pencil and paper

Costs:
Laboratory: no cost for the online activity or practice assessment.

Related Activites:
The Key to Classification

Objectives:

This activity is based upon the strategies set in place by the High School Core Learning Goals prepared by the Maryland State Performance Assessment Program.

SCIENCE:

Goal 1: Skills and Processes
The student will demonstrate ways of thinking and acting inherent in the practice of science. The student will use the language of science to collect, organize, interpret, calculate, and communicate information.

Goal 3: Concepts of Biology
The student will demonstrate the ability to use scientific skills and processes (Goal 1) and major biological concepts to explain the uniqueness and interdependence of living organisms, their interactions with their environment, and the continuation of life on earth.

MATH:

Goal 1: Functions and Algebra
The student will demonstrate the ability to investigate, interpret, communicate solutions to mathematical and real-world problems using patterns, functions, and algebra.

Goal 3: Data Analysis and Probability
The student will demonstrate the ability to apply probability and statistical methods for representing and interpreting data and communicating results, using technology when needed.

[Bridge: Ocean Sciences Teacher Education Resource Center]

Note: This activity was written primarily to give science and mathematics teachers an opportunity to incorporate the Internet into classroom instruction. Before allowing students direct access to the Internet, be sure you are aware of your school's acceptable use policies. If your school does not have a policy, please look into this before allowing students Internet access. We have also developed downloadable and hard copy versions of this activity.